Knee Replacement East Sussex

Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or arthritic knee with an artificial prosthesis. Commonly the knee is damaged from arthritis, resulting in pain and restricted movement. Sufferers may also experience swelling or loosening of the knee joint. A knee replacement aims to treat these symptoms, restoring the knee to its original functionality and relieving any associated pain. The knee joint consists of three bones- the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). The femur and tibia are connected by tendons and their movement cushioned by cartilage. The patella protects the joint and moves up and down as the leg bends and straightens. Depending on the area of damage patients may require a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement. A total knee replacement involves replacing both the tibia and femur with an artificial joint and in some cases resurfacing the patella as well. There are two types of partial knee replacement- patellofemoral and medial compartment. A patellofemoral knee replacement involves replacing the damaged knee cap and its surrounding cartilage. More commonly a medial compartment knee replacement is required, replacing only the inside part of the knee. One important benefit of a partial replacement is that it leaves the healthy bone and tissues intact, resulting in a faster recovery time and fewer complications. The disadvantages include a higher risk of revision surgery and sometimes the functionality is not as good as with a total knee replacement. Sometimes where there is damage to only part of the knee an alternative treatment is partial knee resurfacing. This involves resurfacing the damaged part of the joint with metal, leaving the healthy bone and surrounding soft tissues intact.

Each year Mr Shah performs over 200 hip replacements, on patients ranging from their 20’s into their 90’s. Hip replacement, which is also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged or arthritic part of the hip joint is removed and replaced with an implant, which over time fuses with the patient’s own bone. There are various conditions that can be treated through hip replacement including arthritis, sports injuries and osteoporosis. It is an effective form of treatment that can transform the lives of patients, providing long term pain relief and restoring functionality. In recent years medical innovations have led to an increasing number of hip replacements being performed on younger patients. One reason for this is that implants are now lasting over 20 years and are able to cope with the strains of a more active lifestyle. There are several different types of hip replacement techniques and implants available and the most effective option will vary according to a patient’s age and lifestyle. During your first consultation Mr Shah will explain in detail the most appropriate treatment options for you.

Mr Willis-Owen is a specialist in knee surgery and knee replacement

Mr Willis-Owen is a specialist orthopaedic surgeon

Mr Willis-Owen carries out both routine and complex hip replacements using the latest implants and equipment

The term knee replacement is much less than it sounds. There are various types of knee replacement but most of them involve a resurfacing procedure in which a skim of bone is removed from the upper part of the shin bone (tibia) and lower part of the thigh bone (femur). The surface is then replaced using a metal on plastic bearing.

Consultations for new patients generally take 30 or 40 minutes and will often involve a gait analysis, discussion and examination, and where appropriate review of x-rays and MRI scans and recommendations for treatment.