In some cases of knee arthrosis we can see that the arthrosis is limited to just one part of the knee while the cartilage in other parts of the knee has been preserved well. For these patients there is a knee prosthesis that only replaces the inside of the knee joint. This is the so-called Oxford Knee.

Indications

Not all patients suffering from knee arthrosis are eligible for this type of prosthesis. There are a number of conditions that have to be met.

• The wear-and-tear must be limited to the inside of the knee. Only the cartilage of the knee cap can also show some signs of wear-and-tear.
• Your knee must be stable, which means that both your cruciate ligaments should be intact and should function normally.
• You can only have a slight leg axis deviation. If you have knock knees or bow legs, it is possible that you will not be eligible for this prosthesis.

Advantages

• Recovery is much quicker than after total knee replacement. Most patients can already extend their legs just one day after surgery.
• Shorter hospital stay. You can go home after 5 to 7 days.
• Smaller incision than in total knee replacement.

• The Oxford Knee has a survival rate of 98% after ten years.

The operation

Before this operation is planned, you will have to be tested to see if you are eligible for this operation. For this purpose, an arthro-CT-scan is usually made. This scan will help us assess your cartilage and cruciate ligaments. However, there is always a small chance that we see more damage than expected during surgery. In that case a total knee replacement will have to be carried out.

Shortly before surgery, you will be invited to an informative session on your operation. All tests needed for surgery will then be carried out. You will also be provided with more information on your hospital stay.

The operation can be performed under local anaesthetic (using an epidural) or under general anaesthetic. You decide, in consultation with the anesthesiologist, which type of anaesthesia you prefer. You can read more about the rehabilitation process in the chapter on knee prostheses.

Would you like to learn more about the Oxford Knee Prosthesis ? Then click on: www.oxfordknee.net