Knee
The knee joint is essential for mobility and bears significant weight during daily activities. Knee-related issues, such as osteoarthritis and ligament injuries, can severely impact function and comfort.
- Preparation: Preparation for knee endoprosthesis typically involves a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, including imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs. Patients may undergo preoperative physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and optimize joint function.
Total Knee Replacement (TEP): TEP involves replacing damaged knee surfaces with prosthetic implants. Recovery involves postoperative rehabilitation, including physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Full recovery may take several months, with gradual improvement in function. Total knee replacement may be necessary for individuals experiencing severe knee pain and functional limitations due to advanced osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions affecting the knee joint.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use assistive devices like walkers or crutches and undergo physical therapy to regain knee mobility and strength.
- Rehabilitation: Full recovery from TEP typically takes three to six months, with gradual improvement in function and mobility.
Partial Knee Replacement (PEP): Partial knee replacement addresses localized knee damage, preserving healthy tissue. Recovery is generally faster compared to TKR, with patients often resuming normal activities within weeks after surgery. Partial knee replacement may be recommended for patients with localized knee damage, preserving healthy tissue while addressing specific areas of cartilage degeneration.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may have a shorter hospital stay and experience less postoperative pain compared to TEP.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery from partial knee replacement is generally faster, with patients often resuming normal activities within weeks after surgery.
ZagrebMed experts for knee surgeries include Dr. Borna Strahonja, Dr. Miroslav Haspl, Dr. Denis Trsek, Dr. Tomislav Tabak, Dr. Mislav Jelic.
Hip
The hip joint facilitates movement and weight-bearing, making it prone to conditions like arthritis and fractures. Total and partial hip replacements offer effective solutions for restoring hip function and reducing pain.
- Preparation: Preoperative preparation for hip endoprostheses includes medical evaluation, imaging studies, and lifestyle modifications. Patients may receive preoperative education and instructions for postoperative care.
Total Hip Replacement (TEP): TEP involves replacing the entire hip joint with prosthetic components. Recovery includes physical therapy to improve strength and mobility, with full recovery typically achieved within a few months. Total hip replacement is indicated for individuals suffering from debilitating hip pain and decreased mobility caused by severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic hip fractures.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use assistive devices like walkers or crutches and participate in physical therapy to improve hip strength and mobility.
- Rehabilitation: Full recovery from TEP typically takes three to six months, with gradual improvement in function and mobility.
Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Hemiarthroplasty replaces only the femoral head, preserving the acetabulum. Recovery is generally quicker than TEP, with patients often resuming light activities within weeks. Partial hip replacement, or hemiarthroplasty, may be performed in cases of femoral neck fractures or avascular necrosis of the femoral head, aiming to restore hip function while preserving the native acetabulum.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may have a shorter hospital stay and experience less postoperative pain compared to THR.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery from partial hip replacement is generally faster, with patients often resuming light activities within weeks after surgery.
ZagrebMed experts for hip surgeries include Dr. Miroslav Haspl, Dr. Denis Trsek, Dr. Tomislav Tabak, Dr. Nikola Cicak.
Shoulder
The shoulder joint offers a wide range of motion but is susceptible to arthritis and rotator cuff tears. Total and partial shoulder replacements can alleviate pain and improve function.
- Preparation: Preparation for shoulder endoprostheses involves medical evaluation, imaging studies, and discussions about surgical options. Patients may undergo preoperative physical therapy to optimize shoulder function.
Total Shoulder Replacement: Total shoulder replacement replaces both the humeral head and the glenoid with prosthetic components. Recovery involves rehabilitation to restore range of motion and strength, with gradual improvement over several months. Total shoulder replacement is necessary for patients experiencing chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, and loss of function due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or severe fractures involving the shoulder joint.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use a sling for support and participate in physical therapy to improve shoulder mobility and strength.
- Rehabilitation: Full recovery from total shoulder replacement typically takes three to six months, with gradual improvement in function and range of motion.
Partial Shoulder Replacement: Partial shoulder replacement addresses specific joint pathology, replacing either the humeral head or the glenoid. Recovery varies depending on the extent of the procedure but generally involves similar rehabilitation to total shoulder replacement. Partial shoulder replacement may be recommended for individuals with specific shoulder joint pathology, targeting either the humeral head or the glenoid component while preserving healthy joint structures.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may have a shorter hospital stay and experience less postoperative pain compared to total shoulder replacement.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery from partial shoulder replacement is generally faster, with patients often resuming light activities within weeks after surgery.
ZagrebMed experts for shoulder surgeries include Dr. Nikola Cicak, Dr. Hrvoje Klobucar.
Ligaments
Ligament injuries, such as ACL tears, can cause instability and compromise joint function. Ligament reconstruction procedures aim to restore stability and prevent long-term joint damage.
- Preparation: Preparation for ligament reconstruction involves medical evaluation, imaging studies, and discussions about surgical goals and expectations. Patients may undergo preoperative physical therapy to optimize joint function and strength.
Ligament Reconstruction: Ligament reconstruction replaces damaged ligaments with graft tissue, restoring stability. Recovery includes a comprehensive rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening and proprioception. Return to sports and activities varies but may take several months. Ligament reconstruction is essential for individuals with ligamentous injuries, such as ACL tears, to restore knee stability, prevent recurrent instability episodes, and facilitate return to sports and activities.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use crutches or a brace for support and participate in physical therapy to regain knee stability and strength.
- Rehabilitation: Full recovery from ligament reconstruction typically takes six to nine months, with gradual return to sports activities.
ACL and PCL Ligaments
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are vital structures in the knee joint, providing stability and controlling rotational movements. Injuries to these ligaments, often occurring during sports or traumatic incidents, can lead to instability and compromise joint function.
- Preparation: Preoperative preparation for ACL or PCL reconstruction involves a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, including clinical assessment and imaging studies like MRI scans. Patients may undergo prehabilitation to optimize knee strength and range of motion before surgery.
ACL Reconstruction: ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL with graft tissue, typically from the patient's hamstring tendon or patellar tendon. Recovery includes a progressive rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening, neuromuscular control, and agility training. Return to sports activities may take six to nine months, depending on individual factors and rehabilitation progress.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients typically use crutches and wear a knee brace for stability.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation starts immediately after surgery and focuses on restoring the range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and improving proprioception.
- Return to sports: Full return to sports activities may take six to nine months, depending on individual progress and rehabilitation outcomes.
PCL Reconstruction: PCL reconstruction addresses injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament, restoring stability and function in the knee joint. Recovery involves a similar rehabilitation protocol to ACL reconstruction, with an emphasis on protecting the healing graft and gradually restoring knee mobility and strength.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Similar to ACL reconstruction, patients may use crutches and wear a knee brace for stability.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation includes exercises to regain the knee range of motion, strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and improve knee stability.
- Return to sports: Full return to sports activities typically occurs within six to nine months, but may vary depending on individual factors and rehabilitation progress.
Meniscus
The menisci are crescent-shaped cartilage structures in the knee joint that act as shock absorbers and provide stability. Meniscal tears, often resulting from twisting or direct trauma, can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
- Preparation: Preoperative preparation for meniscal repair or resection involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies (MRI), and discussions about surgical options. Patients may undergo prehabilitation to improve knee range of motion and strength before surgery.
Meniscal Repair: Meniscal repair aims to preserve as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible, promoting long-term joint health and stability. Recovery involves a period of protected weight-bearing and progressive rehabilitation, with a gradual return to activities over several months.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use crutches and a knee brace to protect the repaired meniscus.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation focuses on gradually increasing weight-bearing and strengthening exercises, while avoiding activities that place excessive stress on the knee.
- Return to sports: Return to sports activities may take three to six months, depending on the extent of the meniscal repair and individual healing response.
Meniscectomy: Meniscectomy involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus, relieving symptoms and restoring joint function. Recovery from meniscectomy is generally faster compared to meniscal repair, with patients often returning to normal activities within a few weeks.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients typically experience rapid improvement in symptoms and may resume light activities within a few weeks.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation includes exercises to regain knee range of motion and strength, with a gradual return to more strenuous activities.
- Return to sports: Return to sports activities may occur within four to six weeks, depending on individual progress and rehabilitation outcomes.
Patella
The patella (kneecap) plays a crucial role in knee extension and stability, serving as a fulcrum for the quadriceps muscles. Patellar conditions, such as patellar dislocation, patellar tendinitis, or patellar fractures, can cause pain and impair knee function.
- Preparation: Preoperative preparation for patellar procedures involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and discussions about treatment options. Patients may undergo prehabilitation to strengthen the quadriceps and improve patellar tracking before surgery.
Patellar Realignment: Patellar realignment procedures aim to correct malalignment or instability of the patella, reducing pain and improving function. Recovery involves a period of protected weight-bearing and rehabilitation focusing on restoring quadriceps strength and optimizing patellar tracking. Return to sports and activities may take several months, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual factors. Patellar realignment procedures are necessary for patients experiencing patellar malalignment, recurrent dislocations, or chronic patellar instability, aiming to improve patellar tracking and alleviate associated pain and dysfunction.
Recovery Period:
- Initial postoperative recovery: Patients may use crutches and wear a knee brace to protect the patellar realignment.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation focuses on restoring quadriceps strength, improving patellar tracking, and gradually increasing knee range of motion.
- Return to sports: Full return to sports activities may take three to six months, depending on the extent of the patellar realignment and individual recovery progress.
Injuries and conditions affecting the ACL, PCL, meniscus, and patella can significantly impact knee function and mobility. Surgical interventions such as reconstruction, repair, or realignment offer effective solutions for restoring stability and alleviating symptoms. With comprehensive preoperative preparation and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation protocols, patients can expect significant improvements in knee function and quality of life. Individualized care and patient education are essential throughout the treatment process to optimize outcomes and facilitate a successful recovery.
ZagrebMed experts for ligament reconstruction include Dr. Borna Strahonja, Dr. Hrvoje Klobucar, and Dr. Damir Starcevic.
Conclusion: Total and partial endoprostheses offer tailored solutions for joint and ligament-related conditions, providing relief from pain and restoring function. With careful preparation and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation, patients can expect significant improvements in mobility and quality of life. Each procedure and recovery period are unique, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and patient education throughout the treatment process.