Hiflex Knee Replacement- Orthopedic surgery - Indian medical tourism

After a total knee replacement it is often found that the patients will be able to rotate their knee only from 120 to 135 degrees. This degree is a measurement of the extent up to which your knee can be bent backwards. This rotation capacity up to 120 to 135 degrees is enough for carrying out routine activities like standing, sitting, walking etc. But for carrying out high energy activities like, running, taking part in sports and other activities involving rapid and powerful movements of the leg, you should have a flexibility of about 155 degrees.

High flexibility as said above can be obtained only if the patient undergoes a surgery known as high flex knee replacement surgery which provides the knee a flexibility of about 155 degrees. It is usually done as a second surgery after carrying out the ordinary knee replacement surgery. The expertise of the orthodontic surgeon who carries out the surgery and the keenness shown by the patient in regularly practicing physiotherapic exercises play a crucial role  in regaining  more flexibility to the knee joint.

For whom this surgery is suited:

1.      This procedure is applicable only to patients with osteoarthritis. For rheumatic arthritis patients this surgery can be done only if the bone destruction is minimal.

2.      For patients who had already under gone full knee replacement surgery and still want to increase the flexibility of the knee.

3.      This surgery  is not suitable for obese persons.

4.      For patients who have a post operative knee bent of minimum 90 degrees.

5. High flex knee replacement is a blessing to people with osteoarthritis who want  not only  relief from pain and disability, but also wants to lead a normal life with activities like running, squatting, taking part in sports activities, dancing etc.

The knee joint consists of three bones and forms a hinge. The upper part of the leg bone forms the upper part and the lower bone tibia forms the bottom portion of the hinge. In the bending action the femur rolls and slides over the tibia. The patella also known as the knee cap glides over the end of the femur.

The damaged cartilages and the bone surfaces are removed by the doctor. With the help of precision instruments, the surgeon makes sure that the necessary cuts are made in the bones so that they are in correct angles and the bones align perfectly after implanting the prosthesis.  The bone pieces produced during the preparatory works are removed. The amount of bone so removed is decided by the damage caused to the bone by osteoarthritis. A small part of the top of the tibia is removed so that top of the bone becomes flat. Some bone material is removed from the knee cap also.  This helps the knee to function with more flexibility after the prostheses is fitted.