Prótesis de rodilla

En primer lugar, el especialista le realizará un breve interrogatorio y una exploración clínica. Para completar el diagnóstico, debe solicitar radiografías, dónde podrá comprobar la pérdida de cartílago. En determinados casos también es necesario realizar una resonancia magnética o una TAC.

The prostheses used in these replacements attempt to replicate the normal movement of the knee. There are basically two types of prostheses:

• Unicompartmental prostheses. Unicompartmental prostheses (partial knee replacement) is performed in cases where cartilage degeneration affects only one of the three compartments that make up the knee. Therefore, only the affected compartment needs to be replaced, as the rest of the joint is well preserved. The correct selection of patients is essential to achieving a good outcome. In fact, this technique is only indicated in about 10% of cases.
• Full prostheses. In total knee replacement (knee arthroplasty), the bone ends of the femur and tibia are replaced with prosthetic components. These elements are connected to each other and to the kneecap, which is sometimes also replaced, depending on the deformities, damage or the surgeon's criteria. There are different types of total prostheses, and the choice will depend on the patient's characteristics, age, bone quality and structure, ligament laxity, etc.

Most prostheses are made of plastic (high-density polyethylene) and metal (chromium-cobalt alloy) components so that the parts slide against each other like healthy cartilage, allowing the patient to perform normal knee movements. The prosthetic components are attached to the bone using a ‘cement’ (polymethyl methacrylate) that provides immediate fixation of the prosthesis.

It is important to follow a specific rehabilitation programme, which should be designed by a specialist and supervised by a physiotherapist. As a general rule, rehabilitation will be carried out daily for the first four weeks after the operation, and then intermittent sessions may be carried out for a further four weeks.

In most cases, six weeks after surgery you will be able to perform most everyday activities without the aid of crutches.

Recovery is not a slow process; it does not take many months, nor is it a painful process.

This is a frequently asked question in the clinic. Patients want to know when they will need to have their prosthesis replaced. The answer depends on each individual case, as it may vary depending on the person's level of activity or functional needs.

In most cases, a prosthesis can last between 15 and 20 years. The work performed by the surgeon in the operating theatre and the patient's use of the prosthesis are the two most decisive factors in determining its lifespan.