Patient H.T.H, 72 from Quang Ngai Province has been suffering from a severe pain in his knee and walking disability. Referred by one of his friends, the patient came to City International Hospital seeking for help and decided to get a Knee Joint Replacement Surgery. After the surgery, the patient is able to walk normally, even walk up and down the stairs and resume normal daily activities.

According to Dr. Pham Chi Lang, Head of Orthopedic Surgery Department at City International Hospital, a Knee Joint Replacement Surgery is one of the most difficult and riskiest surgeries. Patient safety must be our top priority and the success of the surgery depends on following the recovery and movement instructions while in hospital and on carrying out the prescribed exercises when at home. In this particular case, patient H.T.H was up and walking immediately after returning from recovery room which is also such an enjoyment for me as his treating physician.”

Additionally at the age of 72, it is especially important to give patient H.T.H appropriate testing and screenings to minimize surgical risks. By using artificial knee replacement surgery, we have performed quickly and after the surgery, the patient has made regular visits for post-surgery checkup despite the long distance from where he lives to CIH. All of us are happy seeing him fully recovered.

Ms. Hang, one of the patient’s family members told us: “a year ago, my mom started to complain about her painful leg, swollen knee and walking difficulties. After the replacement surgery, she no longer finds pain in her leg and up to fully recovering. She is now able to walk to the local market, go play with her grandkids and even walk up and down the stairs. I’m so happy to see my mom happy again and thankful for Dr. Pham Chi Lang and the hospital having been helping my mom achieve this maximum result.”

General information

  • Severe pain that limits your everyday activities including walking, shopping, visiting friends, getting in and out of chair, gardening, etc.
  • Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is a routine operation that involves replacing a damaged, worn or diseased knee with an artificial joint.. A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, haven't helped reduce pain or improve mobility.
  • Cơn đau là kết quả của sự mất hụt hay hư tổn của sụn, đệm giữa các xương của đầu gối. Việc phẫu thuật này có liên quan đến sự thay thế các xương và sụn bị hư tổn trong khớp bằng bề mặt đệm trượt làm bằng kim loại hoặc nhựa

Who is offered knee replacement surgery?

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis.  Other conditions that cause knee damage include: rheumatoid arthritis, knee injury, gout.

Types of surgery

There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee: total knee replacement (TKR) or partial (half) knee replacement (PKR). There are three main components of an artificial knee joint – the femoral component (to replace the end of the femur), the tibial component (to replace the end of the tibia) and the patellar component (to replace the back of the kneecap). In total knee joint replacement surgery, all of these components are used. 

Preparing for knee replacement surgery

Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking.  Diabetes and obesity can negatively affect the outcome of surgery so it is important to have good control of these problems.

In addition, preoperative exercises should be performed to strengthen the muscles around the knee.

How long is the procedure?

The procedure usually takes about 2 hours.

Anesthesia

During the procedure, you will either have general anesthesia (when you are fully asleep) or a regional block (spinal or epidural with more localized anesthesia) that numbs your legs combined with an intravenous medication that will sedate you during the procedure. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques.

Epidural Nerve Block is the new technique, which can prolong pain many days after surgery. The pain of partial knee replacement is less serious that why this technique should not be used.

Postoperative Pain Control

Postoperative Pain varies by each individual. It is best to prevent pain from the beginning. Opioid analgesics are often used to relieve severe pain after surgery. However, patients are advised to switch to non-anesthetic (sleeping) medications as soon as possible.

Hospitalization before surgery

Most joint replacement surgery requires a full 1-2 days before surgery.

How long does it take to recover?

The recovery takes place throughout the year in three stages: the first 6 weeks (wound healing, numbness reduction, movement back), the next 3-5 months (restoration of endurance and muscle strength through activities and exercises every day) and the last 6 months (continue to recover strength and mobility).

The best outcomes of total knee replacement

Knee replacement is one of the most satisfying surgeries in orthopedic surgery.  The aim of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore function to the joint for the next 30 years after surgery

Many patients may return to enjoying their routine habits such as racquetball, mountain climbing or lighter workouts such as walking, dancing ...

How to avoid Knee-Replacement Surgery?

Knee-Replacement Surgery may be unavoidable in patients with genital arthritis. You can not prevent joint replacement surgery or slow down this process.

However, it can prevent overwhelming pain from knee arthritis by  getting replacement surgery, maintaining a healthy body weight and actively exercising., Especially exercises for lower limbs and healthy leg muscles.

Some studies have shown that using stem cells can treat knee pain in the future.

For appointment or more information about the services provided by Orthopedic Clinic,  please contact:

City International Hospital

Operator: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8035 or 8036

Or call Orthopedic Clinic

Head of Department: Dr. Pham Chi Lang

Nurse Station: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8214

Patient service: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8213

?  Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist. (Next to AEON Mall
Binh Tan). Ho Chi Minh City.

? Website: https://cih.com.vn/en/

? Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.