Dr. Deepak Mehta M.S FRAH( Australia) is a joint replacement surgeon trained in Australia .He performs the latest kinds of joint replacements.The Joint replacement unit  of Kular Hospital is state of the art and comparable to  the latest westren standards and is also certified by the American National Accredition Board.

Joint Replacements :

Knee Replacement

What are the benefits of having a knee replacement?

The aim of the operation is to replace or resurface your painful arthritic knee joint with an artificial joint (called prosthesis). Once your new joint has completely healed you should experience one or more of the following benefits

 

• No pain

• Increased movement and mobility

• Correction of angular leg deformity

• Increased leg strength (if you exercise!)

• Improved quality of life, and being able to return to most normal activities and pastimes.

 

 

The Knee

To understand the total knee joint procedure you need to know how the knee is constructed and how it works. The knee is a hinge like joint, which unites your two leg bones, the femur (t highbone) and the tibia (shinbone). The front of the knee joint is protected by the patella (kneecap), which articulates with the femur (patello-femoral joint). Inside the joint, bone ends are covered with a smooth tissue called articular cartilage. The joint is lined with a synovial membrane, which produces synovial fluid (joint nutrient and lubricant).

 

In a normal knee, smooth weight bearing surfaces allow free painless movement. Muscles and ligaments give you power to move the joint and provide stability. The normal movement of the knee depends on joint fluid and smooth healthy articular cartilage, as well as strength and flexibility of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Sitting, standing and walking depend on the bending and straightening of the leg at the knee joint. (The Normal Knee Joint above)

 

 

 

What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Knee pain and stiffness often results from osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joint articular cartilage and bone), rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory joint disease) or an injury. Arthritis causes your articular cartilage to wear away. As a result of this the bone ends become rough and rub together causing pain. Your joint may also be inflamed and swollen.

 

The causes of osteoarthritis are not well documented. Although ageing is the factor most strongly associated with OA, it is important to understand that OA is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive condition. However, previous injuries and consequent damage to articular cartilage will result in accelerated osteoarthritis. There may be a genetic tendency in some people that increases chances of developing osteoarthritis.

 

The Knee in Osteoarthritis

Of the three surfaces (tibia/femur/patella) in your knee that may become roughened and painful you may need two or all three surfaces replaced. Like a normal knee, your prosthesis will have smooth weight bearing surfaces.

 

Total Knee Replacement

The metal femoral component covers the end of your thighbone and the tibial (metal and plastic) component covers the top of your shinbone. The patella (knee cap) may or may not be resurfaced with a plastic button. (Osteoarthritis Knee left)

 

 

 

 

 

What materials are used for implants?

Joint implant manufacturers, orthopaedic surgeons and scientists continually strive to improve the durability of these devices.

 

Current scientific advances in metallurgy have resulted in the use of cobalt-chrome alloys and zirconia oxide, which are used for the femoral component. The tibial component is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which is very durable, but will eventually wear out. Orthopaedic companies have been working hard to find better materials that will not wear out for a long time. The studies of modern knee arthroplasty report clinical survival of up to 96% of total knee implants at 10 to 15 years. The overall success of total knee replacements lies in an understanding of the relationship between implant design, surgical technique and patient’s lifestyle.

 

If you think you are sensitive to nickel please tell your doctor.

 

What are the risks of surgery?

With all major operations there are some risks involved. There is a risk that you could be worse off if you suffer a significant complication such as cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke, thrombosis), infection, nerve and artery damage or a stiff painful artificial knee. There is a small risk (less than 1%) of dying having a knee joint replacement. 90% of patients having a total knee replacement have a good result at getting rid of pain and improving function. It is not a normal knee and some patients are disappointed that they can’t bend it as much as they would like. 5% of patients say they are worse following the operation largely due to one of the above complications of a major operation. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss the risk and benefits with you as the risks vary between individual patients.

Hip Replacement

A hip replacement is an artificial joint made up of two parts (called prostheses), which will replace or resurface your arthritic hip joint. The two parts being a ball shaped femoral component (head) which fits into a cup shaped socket within the pelvis.   The Orthopaedic and Therapy staff at The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust have written this booklet. It has been designed to give you and your family / friends guidelines to understand your operation and your rehabilitation afterwards.   Remember, each person is an individual and particular instructions and details may vary from one person to another - your rehabilitation will be aimed at your individual needs.     Arthritic hip New hip replacement     What are the benefits of having a total hip replacement? You should experience one or more of the following benefits:   • Reduced hip pain • Improved walking ability • Improved quality of life   What are the risks of having a total hip replacement?   This hospital uses a number of modern techniques to keep operative complications to a minimum. If you wish to know more about them your surgeon will be happy to explain. Despite using such techniques however, complications still happen.