Knee Replacement Surgery in Doha

Who knee replacement is for

Knee replacement is considered for people with advanced knee arthritis whose pain and stiffness limit walking, sleep, prayer or daily activities despite non-surgical treatment such as exercise, weight management, painkillers and injections. X-rays usually show significant loss of joint space.

There is no fixed age for a knee replacement. The decision is based on how much the knee affects your life, your general health and what you hope to do afterwards.

Partial or total knee replacement

The knee has three compartments: inner, outer and behind the kneecap.

• Partial (unicompartmental) replacement resurfaces only the worn compartment, usually the inner side, and keeps the healthy parts and ligaments. It is suitable when arthritis is limited to one area and the ligaments are intact, and recovery is often quicker
• Total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint and is used when arthritis affects more than one compartment or the knee is badly deformed

Dr. Gelber recommends one or the other based on your examination, X-rays and, when needed, an MRI.

How the operation is done

The operation is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia, usually with a nerve block or local anaesthetic around the knee for pain relief. Through an incision at the front of the knee, the worn surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone are shaped precisely and covered with metal components, with a plastic insert between them that acts as a new gliding surface. The ligaments are balanced so the knee is stable through its range of movement.

Hospital stay at Aman Hospital

You will be asked to fast for several hours before surgery, and you meet the anaesthetist and surgical team on admission. Physiotherapy usually starts on the day of surgery or the next day, getting you standing and walking with a frame or crutches. The hospital stay is usually a few days, until you can walk safely, manage stairs if needed and your pain is controlled with tablets.

Recovery

• Walking with support the day after surgery
• Hospital stay usually of a few days
• Driving and most daily activities at around six weeks
• Continued improvement for up to a year

Regular exercises at home and with a physiotherapist are essential in the first three months to recover bending and straightening. Swelling and warmth around the knee can persist for several months, which is normal.

Risks

Knee replacement is a well-established operation that relieves pain for most patients. As with any major surgery there are risks, which Dr. Gelber explains before you consent:

• Blood clots in the leg, reduced with medication and early walking
• Infection, which is uncommon but serious, so precautions are taken before, during and after surgery
• Stiffness, usually improved with physiotherapy
• Persisting pain or a feeling that the knee is not fully natural in some patients
• Wear or loosening of the components over many years, which may need revision surgery

Preparing for surgery in Doha

• Bring recent X-rays, any MRI scans and a list of your medicines
• Insurance pre-approval may be needed, so check with your insurer before booking
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or anaemia should be well controlled before surgery
• Prepare your home: a chair with arms, a raised toilet seat and clear walkways help
• Arrange help at home for the first weeks after discharge