Oxford Knee or Half Knee Replacement
Also known as an unicompartmental knee replacement, the oxfod knee is used
where one side of the knee cartilage has worn away. It allows the candidate to use the remaining
part of the cartilage for longer.
Some consider this to be a stopgap measure which may allow the candidate up years of respite,
however the candidate will almost certainly require a full knee replacement sooner or later.
What
is the Oxford Knee (Half Knee)
The Oxford design allows the femur (thigh bone) to always be in equal contact
with the tibia (shin bone). As the knee flexes, the polyethylene component (plastic spacer)
is allowed to move slightly. This allows more uniform contact between the components. Thereby
lowering contact pressures and wear. A study has shown an average penetration rate of only
0.03mm per year at a mean follow-up rate of 10.9 years.
How
long does the oxfod knee last?
- Survivorship of 95% or more at 10 years from several centers.
- This rivals the best outcome studies for total knee replacements (Total
Knee Replacements are often considered the "gold standard")
- Even though the lateral (outside) and patellofemoral (kneecap) portions
of the knee are not replaced, this implant appears to impede disease spreading to these
areas of the knee.
Components
of the oxfod knee
The oxfod knee has 3 Components, The Femur, Tibia and Polyethylene (plastic)
tray.
How
is the oxfod knee Implanted?
The partial knee replacement is performed through a minimally invasive incision.
The incision is generally 3 - 4 inches long (middle of the patella to the tibial tubercle).
The arthritic portion of bone is then removed from the tibia (shin bone) with a saw. Next,
the arthritic portion of the femur (thigh bone) is removed with a saw and reamer. Finally,
the appropriate size polyethylene (plastic tray) is chosen and inserted after the components
are cemented in position. X-rays are obtained to evaluate component position.
Can
someone with knee arthritis have an Oxford Knee replacement?
No. This implant is indicated for patients that have primarily anteromedial
knee arthritis. The patient must not have significant lateral knee arthritis. Interestingly,
the amount of patellofemoral (kneecap) arthritis does not seem to matter. Studies from Oxford,
England have found that approximately 30% of their patients that have knee arthritis are
candidates for this procedure.
How
do I know if I am a Candidate for this Procedure?
If your knee pain is primarily located along the inside portion of your
knee, you may be a candidate. Remember, there are many conservative measures to control
arthritic pain (exercise, weight loss, medication (glucosamine, anti-inflammatories), assistive
devices and injections (steroids). When these measures have failed and you are no longer
willing to allow your knee to curtail your activity, surgical intervention may be appropriate.
The Direct Healthcare International Knee Replacement
Program
Planning your Journey
Our staff will assist you in planning your journey. This is especially necessary when undergoing
knee surgery to ensure that you return home in comfort.
Before Surgery
Please read our knee surgery brochure carefully or information on how to best prepare for
your surgery.
Once you have Arrived
When you arrived hospital staff will great you and ensure that you are settled in the privacy
of your own room in the family B&B unit. You will be asked your dietary preferences
and be given a short guide to the hospital and its facilities.
Your Hospital Stay
The next day after the preliminary consultation, your consultant surgeon will carefully
assess your condition and will decide with you which surgery is best suited. There is a
short pre-surgery questionnaire to complete and it is likely that some investigations will
be done at this stage, such as a blood test and x-rays.
You will be fully briefed on what to expect and how to prepare for your operation. The surgeon
will ensure that you are comfortable and explain all about your surgery. The anaesthetist
will visit you and answer any questions you may have.
After Surgery
A physiotherapist will visit and instruct you in a program of exercises to assist
your restoration to peak physical condition. Within a short while you will be safely on
the road to recovery!
The typical program
Our program offers you the opportunity to swiftly obtain the corrective surgery you need,
taking advantage of the benefit of our experience and expertise in the field of orthopedic
surgery.
Our orthopedic surgery program takes you step by step through the procedure; from your outgoing
journey and preparation, through to your physiotherapy program and aftercare pathway leading
to full health and fitness.
- Day 1 - Arrival + settle in to the hospital’s family B&B
unit
- Day 2 – consultation + preoperative x-rays + blood tests
- Day 3 – Admission to hospital bed + surgery + possible overnight
in ICU
- Day 4 – In hospital + first day of physiotherapy
- Day 5 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 6 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 7 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 8 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 9 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 10 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 11 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 12 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 13 - Postoperative check and departure
An additional weeks stay with physiotherapy is available on request. This
is particularly suitable to those of senior age or where the muscle activity has reduced
in recent months leading to low muscle strength.
The DHI Fully Inclusive Surgery Option
- Comprehensive consultation and full clinical workup incl X-Rays, CT
Scans and bone density scans where appropriate.
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's fees)
- Chauffeur service (to & from airport)
- Accommodation in the familiy accomodation center at St Rembert’s
Hospital for a friend or family member
The DHI Basic Surgery Only Option
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's fees)
Optional extras available are
- Airport pickup and transfer service (to & from airport, Eurostar
or Ferry)
- B&B accommodation at St Rembert’s Hospital for a friend
or family member
- Post operative visit by a DHI physician to your home (UK only)
Exercise programs to return you to peak physical
condition after surgery
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