• Smaller operation with less trauma to knee and patient.
• Smaller incisions and less post-operative pain often resulting in quicker and easier rehabilitation.
• Avoidance of bone cement with even better bone preservation.
• Lower risk of complications, e.g. stroke, cardio-pulmonary failure and infection.
• Minimal blood loss making blood transfusions very unlikely.
• The possibility to perform the surgery in older or less fit patients that are no longer suitable for total knee replacement
• The option of bilateral partial knee replacement in one sitting requiring only one pre-assessment, one anaesthetic intervention, one post-operative period of pain and discomfort, full rehabilitative effort not hindered by the remaining arthritic knee.
• Normal knee biomechanics leading to a more natural knee feel and higher patient satisfaction.

The Oxford partial knee has been used clinically for over 45 years and is by now the most used partial knee. The Oxford design philosophy remains unchanged though minor changes to implant and instrumentation have taken place over the years. Implant survival rates have been documented with 94% at 15 years and 91% at 20 years. The implant survival rates equal those of total knee replacement.

The Oxford knee can be implanted with or without cement, depending on preference and bone quality. Cementless implantation is likely to improve the long-term bone fixation and can potentially further extend the life expectancy of the Oxford partial knee.

Dr. Boerger specialises in bilateral Oxford partial knee replacement.

The process starts with a face-to-face consultation with the Specialist Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon. This is the first opportunity for you to discuss your knee problem with the traumatologist. He will examine you, paying particular attention to your knee issues.

Investigative medical imaging, e.g. a detailed Oxford X-ray knee series, when required, can be performed readily on-site at HC International Hospital (Marbella). The surgeon will be able to read the x-ray images promptly, and explore the appropriate knee replacement options expediently, together with you.

Patients will receive a detailed clinic letter within the week.

An all-inclusive quotation for the suggested surgery can also be arranged at this stage. HC International Hospital can offer help with obtaining your Health Insurance approval.

Dr. Boerger offers a follow-up session with you to discuss the preferred treatment, but only after you have had the relevant information and sufficient time to consider all the possible options, as he firmly believes that no one should ever feel rushed into any decisions regarding surgery.

Surgery is typically scheduled after a minimum of 4 weeks has lapsed from the time of the initial consultation. This time allows for re-consideration and cool-off.

Dr. Boerger’s Personal Assistant (native English-speaker) will arrange directly with you the suitable dates for pre-assessment, surgery and follow-up.

The surgeon will discuss all known risks and possible complications of the proposed surgery during the first and/or second consultation. Patients will also be issued with a comprehensive English language consent form so the information can be considered and weighed before committing to giving written consent for surgery.

He is very happy to meet with you again at any point before the surgery to discuss any outstanding queries or concerns, at your request.

You need to continue on anticoagulation treatment for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Patients after Oxford partial knee replacement only require Aspirin for 4 weeks.
 

Blood transfusion with joint replacement has become exceedingly rare. However, all patients are routinely cross-matched prior to surgery and the correct blood is available at HC during surgery.

 
After a Partial Knee Replacement, patients usually stay in hospital 2 to 3 nights. The length of stay typically depends on age, co-morbidities and the perception of pain. Whilst same day discharge is possible, most patients prefer the convenience of inpatient care in the initial period.

Inpatient stay is dedicated to pain relief and physiotherapy. Depending on the time of surgery, you are encouraged to get up the same day. The physiotherapist will begin rehabilitation the following morning.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) patients are likely to have normal knee mobility. It is important for patients to regain as much range of motion in the first 6 weeks. Later on it is much more difficult to improve movement.

You will only be discharged home when you can mobilise with crutches and are able to safely climb and descend stairs. Physiotherapy is scheduled twice a day for the duration of hospital stay and this includes ice application, oedema management and gait training.

The success of your surgery also depends on how you follow your surgeon’s instructions for the first few weeks afterwards. The speed of your recovery will depend on factors such as knee pain, flexibility, strength, and balance. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to check your status and progress as you recover

To achieve the aims of joint replacement, you need to carry out rehabilitation exercises both with your physiotherapist and at home. The Oxford partial knee replacement patient however should avoid unnecessary movement exercises. The rehabilitation process is not always easy, it can be quite painful at times, but it will allow you to achieve the goals you set when you decided to undergo surgery.