Unilateral Unicompartmental Total Knee Replacement
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description:
Unilateral Unicompartmental Total Knee Replacement (UKA), often referred to as a partial knee replacement, is a surgical procedure designed to treat arthritis or damage confined to one compartment of the knee. Unlike a total knee replacement, which involves the removal and replacement of the entire knee joint, UKA focuses only on the affected compartment, leaving the healthy portions of the knee intact. This less invasive option can provide relief to individuals suffering from arthritis in a single part of the knee—commonly the medial (inside) or lateral (outside) compartment—while preserving as much of the natural knee as possible.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the affected compartment of the knee. A metal and plastic implant is then fitted to replace the worn surfaces, allowing the knee to function smoothly again. One of the key advantages of UKA is that it requires less disruption of the surrounding tissues, muscles, and ligaments, which often results in a quicker recovery compared to a total knee replacement.
UKA is typically recommended for patients who have moderate to severe osteoarthritis localized to one compartment of the knee. Candidates should have relatively strong ligaments and no significant knee deformities, such as bow-legged or knock-kneed postures, that could impact the success of the surgery. Additionally, patients should maintain a reasonably healthy weight and have a level of cartilage damage that does not extend beyond one compartment.
Procedure Duration:
Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Replacement is generally quicker than a full knee replacement. The surgery typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on the complexity of the individual case. Patients are usually placed under regional anesthesia, with the option for sedation if needed. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
The process begins with the surgeon making a small incision over the affected knee compartment. The worn-out cartilage and bone are removed and precisely replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and polyethylene (plastic). Careful attention is given to the alignment of the implant to ensure optimal knee movement and longevity of the prosthesis. Since the procedure only targets one section of the knee, the surrounding tissues, muscles, and ligaments are largely left intact, which contributes to a faster recovery.
Patients can expect to spend a few hours in the recovery room before being moved to a hospital room or discharged home, depending on the healthcare facility’s protocol and the patient's individual progress. Most patients will be encouraged to begin walking with assistance, such as crutches or a walker, the same day as the surgery. This early mobilization helps reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and promotes quicker healing. Full recovery typically spans 6 to 8 weeks, though many patients return to daily activities within a few weeks with physical therapy and proper post-operative care.
Benefits:
- Minimally Invasive: UKA involves smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, leading to quicker recovery times.
- Preserves Healthy Tissue: The procedure only addresses the damaged compartment, leaving healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments intact.
- Faster Recovery: Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to daily activities compared to total knee replacements.
- Improved Range of Motion: Retaining more of the natural knee structure can result in better range of motion post-surgery.
- Reduced Pain and Complications: The focused nature of the surgery minimizes pain, reduces blood loss, and lowers the risk of complications like infection or stiffness.
Potential Destinations:
- Thailand: Known for its state-of-the-art medical facilities and skilled orthopedic surgeons, Thailand is a top destination for UKA. Hospitals in cities like Bangkok and Phuket offer world-class care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
- India: Offering a combination of advanced medical technology and highly trained surgeons, India is a popular choice for knee replacements. Major hospitals in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai are equipped with modern orthopedic departments and provide comprehensive rehabilitation services.
- Turkey: As a rapidly growing hub for medical tourism, Turkey provides high-quality care at competitive prices. Istanbul’s leading hospitals have become known for their expertise in knee surgeries, including UKA.
- Spain: Renowned for its healthcare system, Spain is an excellent destination for patients seeking top-quality knee replacement procedures. Barcelona and Madrid offer some of the best orthopedic specialists and recovery programs.
- Costa Rica: With its proximity to North America and affordable healthcare costs, Costa Rica has gained popularity as a medical tourism destination for orthopedic procedures, including UKA. Facilities in San José offer a relaxing environment for post-operative care and recovery.
Risks & Considerations:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Patients should follow strict post-operative care instructions to minimize this risk.
- Implant Loosening: Although rare, implants can loosen over time, potentially requiring revision surgery.
- Blood Clots: Post-surgical blood clots are a risk for any knee surgery, though early mobilization and anticoagulant medications can help reduce the likelihood of occurrence.
- Residual Pain: Some patients may experience ongoing pain or discomfort after the procedure, particularly if arthritis is present in other areas of the knee.
- Revision Surgery: In some cases, patients may require a total knee replacement in the future if arthritis progresses to other compartments of the knee.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital:
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for a Unilateral Unicompartmental Knee Replacement is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure. Patients should look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee surgeries, particularly UKA. It’s important to ask about the surgeon’s experience and success rates with this specific procedure. Additionally, consider reviewing patient testimonials and any available outcomes data from the hospital or clinic to gauge the quality of care provided.
The hospital chosen should have a dedicated orthopedic department with the latest technology and facilities to ensure proper pre- and post-operative care. Ideally, the facility should have an accredited surgical unit, access to advanced imaging techniques (such as MRI or CT scans for accurate knee assessments), and a comprehensive rehabilitation program to aid recovery.
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
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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
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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.
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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
