Knee Arthroplasty
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty (knee replacement) is the replacement of the worn articular surfaces of the bones that come into contact within the joint. The surfaces are replaced with artificial implants, known as prostheses. The materials used are made of metal and are fully compatible with the human body.
Knee arthroplasty is usually performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion after conservative treatment has failed.
Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroplasty
The most common knee conditions treated with arthroplasty are:
Osteoarthritis – destruction of the articular surfaces
Post-traumatic arthritis, meaning arthritis resulting from a knee injury
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides
Experience of the Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Leonidou completed all of his training and specialisation in the United Kingdom, performing a large volume of knee arthroplasties. In Greece, he applies minimally invasive MIS – bloodless knee arthroplasty techniques with rapid recovery and rehabilitation protocols.
Preoperatively, the patient’s X-rays are imported into specialised software, which creates a three-dimensional digital model. Based on this model, a personalised surgical plan is developed (digital templating).
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Knee Arthroplasty
Small incision – excellent cosmetic result
Personalised preoperative planning
Accurate placement of prosthetic components
Specialised approach that does not damage the underlying tissues
Bloodless procedure – no blood transfusion required
No postoperative pain
Fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications
Shorter hospital stay – fast track protocol
Immediate mobilisation and weight-bearing of the knee – rapid recovery protocol
Preoperative Preparation
The patient will be informed about the proposed surgical treatment with arthroplasty. The anaesthesiologist will examine the patient, take a detailed medical history, and organise the preoperative assessment.
The preoperative assessment includes routine blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a cardiological evaluation. The anaesthesiologist will provide the necessary instructions regarding the use or discontinuation of medications before surgery, as well as when the patient should begin fasting.
Hospital Admission and Anaesthesia
The patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. The specialised anaesthesiologist Dr Koutra administers regional anaesthesia, which ensures the absence of postoperative pain and allows immediate mobilisation of the patient.
The patient does not receive general anaesthesia.
How Long Does the Surgery Take? – Duration
The surgery lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.
How Large Is the Knee Arthroplasty Incision?
Dr Leonidou applies minimally invasive techniques for knee arthroplasty. The incision is located on the front surface of the knee and is less than 15 centimetres in length.
Postoperative Instructions – Exercises – Physiotherapy
After surgery, the patient returns to the ward. Immediate mobilisation is encouraged, initially possibly with the assistance of a walking aid.
The patient does not have a urinary catheter or drains. Postoperatively, a blood test is performed to check haemoglobin levels. The bloodless techniques applied by Dr Leonidou almost eliminate the need for postoperative blood transfusion.
How Many Days of Hospitalisation Are Required?
The patient is discharged from the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery, walking normally with weight-bearing on the operated leg (fast track – rapid recovery protocol).
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Knee Arthroplasty
Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions.
The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol. Simple painkillers for a few days and ice therapy are recommended.
Surgical Success
Knee arthroplasty is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In experienced hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in the patient’s functional recovery. It is a safe technique with extremely low complication rates.
Pain relief is immediate, and functional knee movement is fully restored.
Doctor’s Interview About Knee Arthroplasty
Patient Video After Knee Arthroplasty
What Is the Lifespan of a Knee Arthroplasty?
The correct positioning of the arthroplasty components is an important factor that determines its lifespan. In the hands of specialised surgeon Dr Leonidou, the lifespan of knee arthroplasty reaches 15–20 years in most patients.What Is the Cost and Price of Surgery? How Much Does It Cost?
The cost is quite affordable and is adjusted according to the severity of each case. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroplasty implant, hospital stay expenses, and the fee of the surgical team. There is also participation from the patient’s insurance fund (EOPYY). Patients with private insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy. For more information, please contact us. If you suffer from osteoarthritis and require knee arthroplasty, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in knee arthroplasty with a high volume of cases. If you are interested in robotic arthroplasty, read more about the ROSA method in detail.Patient Video After Knee Arthroplasty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is There a New Method for Knee Arthroplast
Yes, the minimally invasive (MIS) – bloodless technique, combined with rapid recovery protocols (fast track). Before surgery, the patient’s X-rays are uploaded into specialised software, which creates a three-dimensional digital model for a personalised surgical plan (digital templating).
This allows a smaller incision, accurate implant positioning, and rapid recovery with minimal pain.
What Is Fast Track (ERAS) in Knee Arthroplasty?
Fast track or ERAS is a rapid recovery protocol that combines minimally invasive techniques, spinal and local analgesia, early mobilisation, and targeted physiotherapy. The goal is less pain, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.
When Will the Knee Bend After Knee Arthroplasty?
Usually, the patient can begin bending the knee a few hours after surgery, with the assistance of a physiotherapist. In most cases, movement improves gradually during the first few weeks.
After Knee Arthroplasty, How Many Days Until I Can Walk?
With modern minimally invasive techniques, the patient stands up and walks a few hours after the procedure.
Are There Any Complications After Knee Arthroplasty?
Knee arthroplasty is a safe procedure with very good results. However, as with any surgery, rare complications may occur, such as infection, fracture, thrombosis, or stiffness, which can be managed promptly.
What Does It Mean If the Knee Is Swollen After Knee Arthroplasty?
A mild swelling or feeling of warmth in the knee is normal during the first weeks after surgery. It usually subsides with ice therapy, elevation, and physiotherapy.
How Much Does Knee Arthroplasty Cost?
The cost depends on each individual case, the type of prosthesis, and the hospital. The price includes the materials, hospitalisation, and the surgical team’s fee.
Can Knee Arthroplasty Be Performed at an Advanced Age?
Yes, the procedure can also be performed in older patients.
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