Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery is an effective solution for people with severe knee damage from arthritis or injury. If your knee pain makes everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting difficult, and nonsurgical treatments (like medications or supports) no longer help, knee replacement can provide relief. This surgery helps reduce pain, correct leg deformities, and restore your ability to perform normal activities.

Types of Knee Replacement

Knee replacements are classified based on the extent of the damage and the materials used:

By Injury Type:

• Total Knee Replacement: For complete joint damage.
• Partial Knee Replacement: When only one side of the knee is damaged.

By Material:

Most femoral components are made from metal alloys (e.g., cobalt chromium) or metal-ceramic alloys (e.g., oxidized zirconium). The patellar and tibial insert components are typically made from plastic (polyethylene). The tibial tray may be made from:

• Cobalt chromium (metal alloy)
• Titanium (metal alloy)
• Polyethylene (plastic)

Types of Knee Implants:

• Metal on Plastic: The most common type, with a metal femoral component and a plastic spacer. It is cost-effective and has a long track record of success.
• Ceramic on Plastic: Uses a ceramic femoral component with a plastic spacer. This option is ideal for people with nickel allergies, but the plastic may still cause immune reactions over time.
• Ceramic on Ceramic: Both the femoral and tibial components are ceramic, reducing the risk of body reactions. However, it can produce annoying sounds and, in rare cases, may break under heavy pressure.
• Metal on Metal: Both components are made of metal. This option was once favored for younger, active individuals due to its durability, but concerns about metal particles entering the bloodstream have limited its use. It is generally not recommended for women of childbearing age.

Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend the best treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Book an Appointment

Knee Replacement Surgery Risks

While knee replacement surgery is a reliable and secure procedure, it carries certain risks. However, most risks can be effectively managed or overcome with proper precautions, monitoring, and timely intervention:

During Surgery:

• Blood Loss: Intraoperative blood loss is minimized with popular blood-saving techniques, such as tourniquets and medications, making blood transfusions rarely necessary. This enhances safety and reduces complications.
• Thromboembolism (Blood Clots): Without precautions, blood clots (DVT) can occur in up to 88% of patients. However, with reliable preventive measures, the risk of clots forming and traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) is significantly reduced.
• Peripheral Nerve Damage: Nerve injury, such as foot drop, is rare. With early detection and treatment, most cases improve within 12-18 months.
• Tourniquet-Related Injury: The tourniquet used to reduce blood loss can cause ischemic injury if used for prolonged periods or with high pressure, although this risk is limited with careful use.
• Surgical Site Infection (SSI): Infection is an uncommon but serious risk. Factors such as diabetes, obesity, and smoking can increase the likelihood. When it occurs, revision surgery may be needed to secure the result.

After Surgery:

• Aseptic Loosening: Loosening of the implant, often due to poor fixation or bone loss under the implant, is a common cause of failure, especially in younger patients. Regular follow-up with radiographs is essential to detect this early, and revision surgery may be necessary.
• Joint Instability: Instability caused by deformity or ligament injury can lead to pain and swelling. This complication may require revision surgery to restore function.
• Infection Months to Years Later: Infections can develop months or even years after surgery, often due to bacteria entering the bloodstream. Treatment may involve antibiotics and, in some cases, revision surgery.
• Persistent Pain: While not common, some patients may experience ongoing pain. These issues are typically addressed through conservative measures, and in rare cases, additional surgery.
• Metal Hypersensitivity: Some patients may develop allergic reactions to metal components, leading to pain or inflammation. This is a limited but notable risk.
• Wound Healing Issues: Poor healing is more likely in high-risk patients (e.g., those with diabetes or obesity). In such cases, additional treatments, like debridement or soft tissue coverage, may be necessary.
• Scar Tissue Formation (Arthrofibrosis): Scar tissue can limit knee movement and cause stiffness. This can often be overcome with physical therapy, but in severe cases, manipulation or revision surgery may be required.

Book an Appointment

Total Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure

This process is a reliable and successful solution for patients with significant knee joint damage. It aims to improve long-term mobility and quality of life:

• The anesthesiologist will conduct a full assessment.
• The orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist will develop a personalized surgery plan.
• Anesthesia options will be discussed, including general, regional, and/or nerve block anesthesia.
• Total knee replacement surgery typically lasts 1 to 3 hours.
• Surgical details vary based on the technique used:
  • Some surgeons use advanced microrobotic instruments.
  • Others rely on manual instruments with precision guides.

1- Surgical Procedure:

• The surgeon will make an incision over the knee joint to access it.
• Bone spurs and excess bone growth are removed.
• Damaged menisci (shock-absorbing cartilage between the femur and tibia) and cruciate ligaments are removed.
• Damaged parts of the tibia and femur are also removed.

2- Implant Insertion:

• The tibial and femoral implants are inserted into the bone and secured.
• The bearing surface is fixed to the tibial plate to complete the reconstruction.

3- Patella Replacement (if needed):

• If necessary, the damaged undersurface of the patella (knee cap) is removed and replaced with an artificial implant.

Book an Appointment

Knee Replacement Surgery Aftercare

What no one tells you is that the relief from pain after the surgery can be dramatic. Instead of relying on medications long-term—which can increase dependency, side effects, and tolerance—you can experience impressive improvements in both your mobility and quality of life. The benefits of the surgery go beyond just reducing pain; they provide a pathway to a more active, pain-free future.

• Post-Surgery Hospital Stay:
  • Some patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure, while others may stay 1 to 2 days in the hospital, depending on individual recovery progress.
• Mobility After Surgery:
  • You will be able to walk with crutches, a cane, or a walker, depending on your progress and your surgeon’s guidance.
• Leg Positioning for Recovery:
  • To promote full knee extension, avoid placing anything (such as a pillow) under your knee, as this can prevent it from straightening completely.
  • Proper leg positioning can significantly improve surgical outcomes and enhance your range of motion.
• Physical Therapy:
  • Starting physical therapy as soon as possible is key to your recovery.
  • Your surgeon and physical therapist will create a personalized exercise plan to gradually improve both your knee’s range of motion and strength.
• Suture Removal:
  • External sutures are typically removed within 10 days to 2 weeks, according to your doctor’s instructions.
• Return to Activities:
  • Your surgeon will advise when it’s safe for you to return to work, engage in normal activities, and drive. This will depend on your individual healing process.
• Recovery Timeline:
  • Full recovery generally takes 4 to 6 months, with most patients experiencing a significant reduction in knee pain within the first few weeks.
• Long-Term Results:
  • Knee replacements typically last around 25 years, offering long-term relief and improved function.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Knee Replacement Surgery?

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we offer a revolutionary range of advanced knee replacement surgery.

• Experienced Doctors: Our orthopedic surgeons are skilled in utilizing the latest technologies for precise, effective treatment, ensuring faster recovery, reduced discomfort, and minimal scarring.
• Personalized Care: With our expertise and experience, we guarantee optimal results and care tailored to your needs.
• State-of-the-art arthroscopic procedures.
• Minimally invasive strategies, and complex surgical interventions.

Book an Appointment