Knie and hip replacement surgery

Endoprosthetics is the surgical replacement of pathologically changed and damaged joints ('wear and tear') with artificial joints. The damaged and pain causing surface of the joint is removed and replaced by the articial joint.

Hip replacement surgery

In hip replacement surgery, mainly a shaft prosthesis in thigh and an articial acetabulum in pelvis are used. The fixation of the artificial material can be done with or without bone cement. A mixture (so-called hybrid prostheses) is also common. In this case, the acetabulum and the shaft prosthesis are fixated with bone cement. If possible, the endoprostheses are implanted without cement.

Owing to increasingly gentle operation techniques, the rehabilitation time is reduced and even artificial joints without cement fixation can be fully strained after a shorter period. In eligible cases, we use minimally invasive techniques with a direct approach to the hip joint through the groin (DAA = direct anterior approach). By usage of this technique, neither muscles nor tendons are damaged or cut. Due to DAA, patients are able to reach a normal gait under full load.

Knee replacement surgery

In knee replacement surgery, one of the most modern artificial knee joints are implanted. This implant makes it possible that an almost normal joint function without pain is achieved after rehabilitation if normal anatomical conditions are given. In some cases, only a part of the joint is replaced by a partial knee resurfacing system. Such a course is an option if only the medial joint cavity is affected by arthrosis but the rest of the knee is almost free of damage. An artifical knee is often implanted by using bone cement in order to gain immediate and long-lasting load bearing capacity.

A long-term success of articial knee replacement surgery is only achievable in combination with intense physiotherapy starting at the clinic after the operation. A continuous passive motion machine (CPM), lymphatic drainage and modern paint therapy, for example, by employing a peridural catheter during the operation on lumbar spine.

Surgery hours by Peter Braun, orthopedic surgeon specialized in knee and hip replacement surgery

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 12 midday