Dear Patient,
With your cooperation, your physician is currently planning an operation to replace your knee joint with an artificial knee joint manufactured by LINK.
Your surgeon is very familiar with the procedure, the details, the materials and the healing process, but you are bound to have some questions.
The purpose of this brochure is to familiarize you with the next steps and provide you with some helpful and interesting information.
What many people don’t know.
Medical science has a decades-long history of implanting artificial knee joints.
Their materials, form, design and functions have been developed over many years in close cooperation with medical professionals and engineers.
"My knee joint has given me a new lease of life!"
What exactly defines an artificial knee joint?
There are many factors that need to be weighed up when deciding on a particular knee joint. Beyond the individual size and shape, the surgeon’s chief concern in implanting the product will be how well the substance of the bones can be preserved. This directly affects the recovery time and functionality.
Your physician has selected a knee endoprosthesis from LINK, based on factors unique to your individual case.
Focus on people
For over 70 years, LINK has been developing and producing endoprostheses, which are used all around the world.
LINK is a company based in Hamburg that sets standards in endoprosthetics and offers a comprehensive range of products. This comprehensive selection offers physicians the optimum solution for every individual case and requirement, enabling people who are dependent on an endoprosthesis to return to their normal daily lives free from pain.
What types of artificial knee joints does LINK provide?
Knee joints basically consist of a lower leg component, an upper leg component, and a synthetic articular surface.
Partial joint prosthesis (LINK sled prosthesis)
- suitable for cases where joint wear involves the inner or outer part of the knee joint
- anchored solely with ‘bone cement’
- replaces the cartilage of the femoral condyle.
Total joint prosthesis (LinkSymphoKnee)
- suitable for replacing the outer and inner femoral condyle and the entire articular surface of the head of the tibia
- can be anchored either with or without ‘bone cement’.
"Thanks to my new knee joint, I’m back in the thick of life!"
What are the differences between the two variants?
There are various ways of anchoring knee endoprostheses within the bone, depending on the bone substance. Your physician will determine which system is suitable in your particular case. LINK offers appropriate products, anchored either with or without cement.
Cementless
The knee joint is press-fitted into the bone and anchored by bone apposition.
This implantation technique is particularly favorable for preservation of the substance of the bone.
Particularly suitable for young, active patients.
Cemented
The knee joint is firmly anchored in the bone using “bone cement” (shown in green).
The joint can be loaded soon after the procedure.
The technique has been tried and tested over many decades.
What materials are used to make an artificial knee joint?
Your total knee endoprosthesis must be composed of materials that are well tolerated by your body.
PorEx surface layer
- Coatings for patients hypersensitive to metal Wear-resistant and well tolerated by the body
Synthetics
- Wear-resistant and well tolerated by the body
Metals
- Long-term stability
- Biocompatible
- Well tolerated
"I can once again actively manage and enjoy my everyday life."
The operation
What should I do to prepare for the operation?
You can also play a role in making the therapy a success: it’s important that you follow your physician’s specific instructions prior to the operation and inform him/her of the following details:
- Medications, including over-the-counter preparations, that you are currently taking
- Other disorders you may have, such as allergies
Exercise to build up your muscles, improve your gait and, if necessary, lose weight before the operation and arrive at your surgery appointment in good health.
What will happen after the operation?
our physician will tell you which kinds of movements you are permitted to make and which you should avoid. A few days after the operation, you will commence rehabilitation in a clinic or outpatient center. Your knee muscles will be strengthened, which will stabilize your artificial joint.
Tips for day-to-day life
Attend all your follow-up appointments and visit your physician if you experience any complaints.
Avoid heavy physical work.
Avoid sports involving violent impacts or with a high risk of injury.
Ideal sports are light gymnastics, walking on flat terrain, and cycling using a bike that is easy to get on and off (that doesn’t require you to lift your leg high).
People with a total knee endoprosthesis can normally also swim - preferably using crawl stroke.
