Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a procedure aimed at treating knee osteoarthritis, allowing individuals to return to life without pain or instability. There have been advancements in techniques that have significantly improved the patient experience. These advancements include improvements in anaesthesia, surgical procedures, and the implants used, which have enhanced their bearing couplings. As a result, patients experience lower pain scores, less bleeding, and smoother recovery compared to the past. However, it's important to note that this is still a painful procedure that requires extensive rehabilitation following the surgery in order to regain strength and motion.
The majority of the recovery following total knee replacement occurs within the first 8 weeks. The knee will continue to improve for a year after surgery. During this time, the knee may swell in response to busy or active days and feel warm to the touch. It's normal to experience intermittent aching at night, which tends to resolve by the 4-month post-op point.
Robotic Total Knee Replacement
The MAKO Story
Robotic assisted total knee replacement is explained in the short video.
The MAKO robot offers a highly accurate method for resurfacing joints and achieving excellent soft tissue balance minimising the need for soft tissue release.
During surgery, the virtual 3D model built from the CT scan is matched to the real-life knee, the knees' soft tissue balance is accurately assessed with the robotic navigation system.
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Dr. Fleming aims to align the implant to match the specific shape of your knee, maintaining the joint's original shape. This allows the knee's capsule, tendons, and ligaments to move over familiar terrain. When preparing the bone the robotic arm limits where the saw may travel- keeping it within the bone preventing peripheral soft tissue injury. The goal is to provide a more natural feeling knee without the need for ligament release to achieve balance during surgery.
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The implant used is the Stryker Triathlon, a well-established top-performing implant in the Australian and New Zealand Joint Registry.
Partial Knee Replacement
When your knee is in good condition and the main issue is pain on the knee's inner side. Cartilage degeneration in the medial knee joint,partial knee replacement may be applicable.
This procedure preserves the knee's natural movement and kinematics, resulting in a joint that feels normal after recovery.
Partial or “Uni” knee replacement is minimally invasive
The incision for this knee replacement is smaller than traditional methods, leading to faster recovery due to reduced blood loss and quicker ability to fully bend the knee, typically allowing discharge within 2 nights.
How severe is your arthritis?
Recovering from
knee replacement surgery
What Can I do after total knee replacement?
After a knee replacement, you should be able to walk longer distances without pain. There are some activities you should avoid, such as running for fitness, or sports and high-impact manoeuvres like box jumps.
However, you should be able to enjoy activities like cycling, spinning, walking, bowling, skiing, and doubles tennis.
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Examples of returing to sport
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Distance walking:
After the 6 week check Dr Fleming is keen and encouraging for you to start walking longer distances. This will be a progression. Most people are ready to return to outward bound bush walking between 3 and 6 months.
Cycling:
Stationary bike spinning will be part of your rehab, when returning to riding a push-bike usually by 2 months after surgery it is advisable to use flat pedals or an e-bike for the first 12 weeks. Cleats should be worn when you feel comfortable twisting your knee against resistance.
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Golf:
You may start short game practice on the putting and chipping green at 6 weeks. Start quarter then half swing gentle swings in the nets with a 7 iron until this is comfortable-full swing is allowed at 12 weeks and plan for return to competitive play at 4 months.
Don't live with pain any longer
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​Dr Fleming will ensure urgent cases are seen within 2 weeks.
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Remember you will need a GP referral in order for Medicare to refund part of your costs.
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Dr Fleming’s secretary will ask what investigations you have to date, and help arrange a specific style of Xray prior to seeing Dr Fleming.
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If you have terrible hip pain, need surgery and are medically fit, Dr Fleming will endeavour to arrange an early surgical date (within 2 weeks).
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Should your medical health need optimisation you will be referred to a physician for medical optimisation prior to your surgical date.