Partial Knee Arthroplasty
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Partial Knee Arthroplasty (PKA), also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to treat localized osteoarthritis of the knee. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves resurfacing the entire knee joint, PKA targets and replaces only the affected compartment of the knee—either the medial (inside), lateral (outside), or patellofemoral (front). This makes it a minimally invasive and often more conservative treatment option for patients whose arthritis is confined to a single part of the knee.
In PKA, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the affected compartment and replaces it with metal and plastic components, or implants. These artificial components work together to restore the knee’s movement and alleviate pain while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the unaffected parts of the knee. As a result, many patients maintain a more natural knee function and feel, compared to a total knee replacement.
Candidates for PKA are typically those with localized osteoarthritis, intact ligaments, and generally stable knee movement. The selection of patients for this procedure is crucial; hence, a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation is essential to determine the suitability of PKA over total knee arthroplasty. PKA is often recommended when the arthritis is moderate and limited to one compartment, allowing patients to achieve pain relief with less invasive intervention.
Procedure Duration
The duration of a Partial Knee Arthroplasty can vary depending on individual cases and the surgeon's approach. Typically, the procedure lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. The surgery starts with an incision over the knee, followed by careful exposure of the affected compartment. The surgeon will then remove the diseased cartilage and bone, carefully shaping the area to fit the implants. Once the compartment is prepared, the metal and plastic components are fixed in place, and the incision is closed.
Post-surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area where they are closely monitored. Because of its less invasive nature compared to total knee arthroplasty, PKA often leads to shorter hospital stays, with many patients being discharged on the same day or after one overnight stay. The reduced trauma to surrounding tissues and muscles also contributes to a quicker recovery time.
The recovery phase for PKA varies but is generally faster than total knee replacement. Many patients can begin bearing weight and walking on the day of the surgery with the assistance of a walker or crutches. Physical therapy is an important component of recovery, focusing on improving knee strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Most patients return to their normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks, although it may take up to 3 months to resume more strenuous activities like running or sports.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: PKA involves a smaller incision and less tissue disruption than total knee replacement, leading to reduced postoperative pain and quicker recovery.
- Preservation of Healthy Tissue: Since only the damaged compartment is replaced, healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are preserved, resulting in a more natural knee function and movement.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Many patients can leave the hospital the same day or within 24 hours post-surgery, minimizing the need for prolonged hospital care.
- Faster Rehabilitation: With less invasive surgery, patients typically experience faster recovery times, allowing them to return to daily activities more quickly.
- Improved Quality of Life: PKA effectively relieves pain and improves knee function, enabling patients to participate in physical activities that were previously difficult.
Potential Destinations for Partial Knee Arthroplasty
1. Germany
Germany is renowned for its advanced medical technology and well-established orthopedic programs. Surgeons are highly trained, and hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities. The country is also known for its strict medical regulations, ensuring high standards of care and patient safety.
2. India
India has become a popular destination for PKA due to its highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and cost-effective treatments. Many Indian hospitals have international accreditations, and the lower cost does not compromise the quality of care. The availability of English-speaking medical staff makes it an accessible destination for international patients.
3. South Korea
South Korea is globally recognized for its medical innovations, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries. Hospitals in South Korea offer cutting-edge techniques for PKA, along with personalized rehabilitation programs. The country’s focus on holistic patient care and recovery is a major draw for medical tourists.
4. Turkey
Turkey’s healthcare system has seen significant advancements, making it a prime destination for partial knee arthroplasty. Many Turkish hospitals have internationally trained surgeons and advanced equipment. The country's strategic location makes it accessible for patients from both Europe and the Middle East, and the cost of surgery is relatively lower compared to many Western countries.
5. Thailand
Thailand is a leader in medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services with an emphasis on patient comfort and care. Thai hospitals provide comprehensive packages that include PKA, accommodation, and rehabilitation, making the experience more convenient for patients traveling for treatment. With highly experienced orthopedic surgeons and modern facilities, Thailand has become a preferred destination for those seeking knee surgery abroad.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: Like any surgical procedure, PKA carries a risk of infection. Hospitals typically take preventive measures, but patients must follow postoperative care instructions to reduce this risk.
- Blood Clots: There is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs or lungs after surgery. Patients may be prescribed blood-thinning medication and encouraged to move around early to promote circulation.
- Implant Wear and Loosening: Although PKA implants are designed to be durable, over time they may wear down or become loose, possibly requiring revision surgery.
- Persistent Pain or Stiffness: Some patients may continue to experience pain or stiffness after surgery, which may require additional therapy or interventions.
- Limited Candidate Eligibility: PKA is not suitable for everyone. Patients with widespread knee arthritis, ligament damage, or inflammatory joint disease may not be ideal candidates for this procedure.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for Partial Knee Arthroplasty, it is crucial to research the credentials of potential surgeons. Look for orthopedic surgeons who specialize in knee arthroplasty and have extensive experience with PKA procedures. It's advisable to find a surgeon who has performed a significant number of these surgeries, as experience is correlated with better outcomes.
Choose a hospital with a strong reputation for orthopedic care and international patient services. It is important that the hospital is equipped with modern surgical facilities and offers comprehensive postoperative care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation. Asking for patient reviews, success rates, and detailed explanations of treatment plans can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care you will receive.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
