• Relief of arthritic knee pain in advanced bi- or tri-compartmental osteoarthritis (arthritis in more than one knee compartment).
• Correction of flexion deformity (inability to fully straighten the knee).
• Correction of varus and valgus (bow- and knock-knee) deformity.
• Correction of joint instability in cases where ligaments are stretched or torn.

Thanks to advanced planning software, the surgeon adapts the procedure to each patient. A 3D-reconstruction of the knee is created allowing exact measurements to be extracted to establish the most appropriate surgical plan in each case.

The system provides accurate information about the patient’s knee, which together with the articulated robotic handpiece allows elimination of damaged surfaces preserving healthy tissue, balancing the joint as well as measuring and positioning the implant with absolute accuracy and precision. With the assistance of CORI, complete alignment from hip to ankle is achieved.

At HC we used the Journey II CR and BCS (Smith & Nephew) with and without patella resurfacing for most of his TKR patients in the past 6 years. We used Genesis II (Smith & Nephew), a predecessor to the Journey II. The nearly two decades worth of combined experience with this family of implants is invaluable in achieving success for our patients.

HC will continue to use the Journey II total knee replacement now with Navigation and Robotics- assistance (CORI).

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. Hip and total knee replacement patients require 2 weeks of injected anticoagulation followed by Aspirin for another 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 Total Knee Replacement, patients usually stay in hospital 2 to 3 nights, compared to 3 to 4 days for Total Knee Replacement. 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.

Unlike Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) patients who are likely to have normal knee mobility, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) patients tend to have stiff knees that would require intense physiotherapy to regain optimal 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.