Frequently asked questions − concerning knee surgery

What can you do in the case of bow leg osteoarthritis?

In the case of isolated osteoarthritis on the knee joint, which is limited to the inner floating bearing, as is often the case in patients with bow legs, the problem can usually be effectively eliminated by the operative displacement of the main load line from the inner to the outer knee joint bearing. This takes place whereby a v-shaped piece of bone (of approx. 10 ° is removed from the tibial head, the resulting gap is closed again and jointed with a plate and 2 screws. Thus, the load-bearing zone is displaced from the inner to the outer joint gap and this relieves the pre-damaged zone of the inner knee joint, which stresses the healthier outer zone more.

Can both knee joints be replaced at the same time?

It is often the case, both knee joints are jointly affected by osteoarthritis, so that in the case of affected patients, both knees can be replaced within the scope of one operation. In Gelenkzentrum Berlin, approx. 30% of all operations on both knee joints were performed simultaneously in one operation. The regeneration time of the patients is hardly extended as a result of the immediate full load-bearing capacity of both legs compared to the knee joint replacement on one side. The patient has the advantage of only having to undergo surgery once and a stay in hospital.

What is meniscus damage?

Each knee joint usually has an internal and external meniscus. These are two half-moon-shaped, slightly mobile, connective tissue discs, the consistency of which resembles that of ear cartilage. On the one hand, these have the task of buffering the pressure between the upper and lower limbs and, on the other hand, improving the congruence of the articular surfaces. As a result of abrupt twisting movements, menisci may tear, whereby this may change their position in the narrow joint gap in such a way that they can cause a very painful movement block in the joint. But even without an acute injury mechanism the meniscus can thin out and fray in the course of life. It can crack without any major force and cause recurring pain as well as bruising of the knee joint.

How is meniscus damage treated?

In most meniscus injuries the torn part, which causes the discomfort in the joint, is removed from the joint with a fine instrument. Afterwards, the symptom is then immediately removed, thus bringing about a noticeable difference. In the case of a fresh meniscus tear, it is also possible, in certain cases, to attach the fraction again. However, this is only a good idea in the case of really fresh tears in the better-perfused outer part of the meniscus.

How is the cruciate ligament repaired?

The anterior cruciate ligament is much more frequently injured than the posterior cruciate ligament (9: 1). Nowadays the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament can be entirely performed minimally invasively, i.e. by arthroscopy. The knee joint no longer needs to be opened with large cuts. In Gelenkzentrum Berlin, two of the body’s own tendons are removed from the posterior thigh as a replacement for the torn cruciate ligament. These are then transplanted into the knee joint and offer excellent strength after healing. The transplanted tendon is fixed into two bone canals on the upper and lower limbs using two resorbable milk sugar screws. The stay in hospital is approx. 3-5 days After 8-12 weeks, the transplant is usually solidly grown and the athletic activity can be resumed.

It is self-evident that many questions remain unanswered.

Please contact us in confidence:

Gelenkzentrum Berlin

Fuggerstraße 23
10777 Berlin

E-Mail: info@gelenkzentrum.de
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