^{Knee Replacement}
^{Surgery in Germany}

Treatment at Munich Airport Clinic

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Knee pain and limited mobility can significantly impact your quality of life. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, a knee prosthesis may be the best solution. This procedure involves resurfacing the knee joint with an artificial implant. At Munich Airport Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art operating rooms and a cutting-edge medical infrastructure for knee surgeries. Our experienced knee specialists in Munich perform minimally invasive procedures and select the most suitable knee surface prosthesis tailored to your individual needs.

When Is a Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary?

A knee resurfacing prosthesis is recommended when the joint is severely damaged, and pain and restricted movement significantly impact daily life. Common causes include:

Osteoarthritis: Progressive cartilage wear leads to joint pain and stiffness.
Injuries: Severe damage, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or fractures, can cause knee instability.
Misalignments: Leg axis deviations place uneven stress on the joint, accelerating wear and tear.

If daily activities like climbing stairs or low-impact sports become too painful, a knee prosthesis can restore mobility and significantly improve quality of life.

Good to know: At our clinic at Munich Airport, we welcome both private and publicly insured patients at any time.

WHICH PROSTHESES DO WE USE?

Types of Knee Prostheses

At Munich Airport Clinic, we offer various types of knee prostheses, individually tailored to your needs. Our experienced knee specialists will provide a detailed consultation to determine the most suitable prosthesis for your specific condition:

Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Prosthesis)

This type of prosthesis replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint, usually the inner or outer compartment. For this reason, it is also referred to as a unicompartmental surface replacement. It is ideal for patients where only one section of the knee joint is affected by osteoarthritis. The benefits include a less invasive procedure and a faster recovery.

Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Revision, TKR)

For extensive knee joint damage, a total knee prosthesis is used. This procedure replaces the entire joint surface of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). Modern uncoupled prostheses allow for natural knee movement, while coupled prostheses are required in cases of severe joint defects to ensure stability.

Kneecap Replacement
(Patellar Replacement)

If the cartilage behind the kneecap (patella) is severely damaged, a patellar replacement may be a suitable option. This procedure replaces the back surface of the kneecap to restore smooth joint function. A patellar replacement is often combined with a total knee replacement (TKR) for optimal results.

Why choose Germany for a Knee Replacement Surgery?

Patients from Canada and the UK often face prolonged waiting times for knee replacement surgeries. In Canada, the national benchmark is to perform these surgeries within 26 weeks (approximately 6 months).

However, according to the CIHI, as of 2023, only 62% of patients received their planned knee replacement within this timeframe, indicating a significant backlog.

Similarly, in the UK, the NHS aims to treat 92% of patients within 18 weeks from referral. Yet, recent data reveals that only 56.6% of patients met this target, with many experiencing delays exceeding 52 weeks.

In contrast, Germany, renowned for its advanced healthcare system, offers timely and efficient knee replacement surgeries. At Munich Airport Clinic, international patients can benefit from shorter waiting times, high-quality medical care, and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Choosing Germany for your knee replacement surgery ensures access to world-class orthopedic care without the extended waiting periods prevalent in other countries.

Comparison of Prosthesis Types for the Knee Joint Replacement

Category	Partial Prosthesis (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement)	Total Prosthesis (Total Knee Replacement, TKR)	Patellar Replacement (Kneecap Replacement)
Application Area	Only one side of the joint is affected	Both sides of the joint are severely damaged	Isolated damage to the kneecap
Durability	20 years	20 years	Depends on combination with other prostheses
Surgery Duration	Approx. 60 minutes	60 minutes	30 minutes
Return to Everyday Life	After approx. 6 weeks	Daily activities after 6 weeks, full load-bearing after 3 months	Varies individually
Recommended Age Groups	Patients between 50 and 70 years	Suitable for patients around 60 years and older	No specific age limit
Material	Metal alloys & polyethylene	Titanium, cobalt-chrome & polyethylene	Ceramic or plastic gliding surface

STEP BY STEP

Procedure of Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Munich

The decision to implant an artificial knee joint primarily depends on the degree of joint damage and the patient’s symptoms. Imaging techniques, such as MRI or X-rays, help determine the extent of cartilage deterioration in the knee and whether a knee prosthesis is necessary.

Preparation
Before the surgery, we will discuss the exact procedure with you and address any open questions. On the day of the operation, you will be taken to the operating room and prepared for the procedure.
Treatment of Damaged Joint Surfaces
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, depending on your medical condition and in coordination with the anesthesia team. A small incision over the knee is made to access the joint. The damaged cartilage and bone tissue are then removed and smoothed. Our goal is always to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. The exact surgical procedure depends on whether a partial prosthesis, total knee replacement (TKR), or patellar replacement is required.
Implantation of the Prosthesis
The selected prosthesis is now precisely implanted. Modern surgical techniques and instruments ensure the exact alignment of the implant. Once the prosthesis is in place, we check the mobility and stability of the knee joint to ensure optimal function.
Wound Closure
Finally, the incision is closed in layers, and a sterile dressing is applied. The entire surgery takes approximately one hour. Patients typically stay in the clinic for four days after receiving a total knee replacement. After a standalone patellar replacement, the hospital stay is shorter.

OUR EXPERTISE

Specialists for Knee Prosthesis Surgery in Munich

Munich Airport Clinic offers optimal conditions for knee surgeries. The implantation of a knee prosthesis is performed by our highly experienced specialists. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and precise diagnostics, patients benefit from the best possible treatment outcomes.

Prof. Dr. med. Armin Keshmiri
Chief Physician of Orthopaedic Department
Specialist in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery

Dr. med. Karl Bühler
Specialist in Orthopedics

Dr. med. Rüdiger Neitzel
Specialist in Orthopedics

Prof. Dr. med. habil Jens Schaumburger
Specialist in Orthopedics

View All Doctors

AFTER THE SURGERY

Recovery after the Knee Replacement Surgery

Recovery after knee prosthesis surgery requires active participation and patience. The goal is for patients to return to their daily activities pain-free. Mobilization begins shortly after surgery to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process.

Immediately After Surgery

Passive Movement: On the first day after surgery, we begin passive movement exercises using a motorized movement splint. This helps maintain joint mobility and prevents adhesions.
Mobilization: Our physiotherapists will assist you in standing up and walking with mobility aids. In most cases, the operated leg can bear full weight, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

During Your Hospital Stay

Physiotherapy: Daily physiotherapy sessions help improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Pain Management: We adjust your pain medication individually to enable active participation in rehabilitation while ensuring comfort.

After Discharge

Outpatient Physiotherapy: Continue rehabilitation exercises at a physiotherapy clinic of your choice. Regular training is crucial for successful recovery.
Home Exercises: Perform the recommended exercises at home to further improve knee mobility and strength.
Daily Activities: Incorporate movement into your daily routine, but avoid overloading the knee. Listen to your body’s signals and progress at your own pace.

Please note that the healing process varies for each individual. Patience and consistent effort are key to a successful rehabilitation.

BENEFITS

Your Benefits at the Munich Airport Clinic

Modern Equipment

Experienced Specialists

Short Waiting Times

Personalized Care

Easy Accessibility

High Hygiene Standards

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
About Knee Prosthesis

How long does knee replacement surgery take?

The actual surgery takes approximately 1 hour.

How long is pain normal after a total knee replacement (TKR)?

Pain is normal in the first few weeks and gradually decreases as healing progresses. We will prescribe adequate pain medication to manage discomfort.

How long does an artificial knee joint last?

Typically, a knee prosthesis lasts around 20 years, depending on activity level and load.

Can I play sports with an artificial knee joint?

Yes! However, high-impact activities like jogging should be avoided.

When can I climb stairs again?

Climbing stairs with an artificial knee joint can be challenging at first. However, most patients are able to climb stairs with support by the time they leave the clinic.

Why Should I Have My Knee Replacement Surgery in Germany?

Germany offers several advantages for knee replacement surgery:

Shorter waiting times compared to the UK’s NHS.
Cost-effective with high-quality care.
Advanced medical technology and experienced surgeons.
Minimally invasive techniques for quicker recovery.
Comprehensive aftercare and rehab programs.
Specialized services for international patients, including language support and travel assistance.

Germany provides fast, affordable, and high-quality knee replacement surgery, making it a top choice for patients seeking timely treatment.

Knee Replacement Surgery in Germany