What is open knee surgery?

Open knee surgery can be performed to address debilitating knee pain and immobility when non-surgical treatments prove ineffective. Unlike knee arthroscopy, which involves making tiny incisions over the knee to access the joint, open surgery entails creating a single large incision over the area to expose and gain entry to the joint. The type of surgical technique depends on the patient's pathology and the procedure required.

How do you perform open knee surgery?

For example, with a total knee replacement, Dr Grey creates a large incision over the knee to get a complete view of the joint anatomy. He then removes the affected surfaces of the knee and replaces the damaged parts with ceramic or metal implants.

Besides total knee replacement, Dr Grey performs the following open knee surgeries:

• Unicompartmental knee replacement is surgery to treat osteoarthritis restricted to a single segment (compartment) of the knee. Dr Grey makes an incision over the front of the knee and investigates all compartments to ensure the damage only extends to one compartment and the ligaments are still healthy. To prepare the bone, he uses a saw to prepare for the resection of the damaged cartilage in the affected compartment. Next, after measuring the cuts, he accurately prepares for the placement of the metal implants. Then, he inserts the polyethene spacer between the metal pieces to recreate a stable and smooth gliding surface.
• Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction is performed for lateral patellar dislocation. The MPFL forms part of a complicated soft tissue system that helps stabilise the patella in front of the knee. MPFL reconstruction enables Dr Grey to create a new medial patellofemoral ligament to prevent further joint damage and safeguard against further patella dislocations.

What can I expect after traditional open knee surgery?

After open knee surgery, you can expect mild pain, tenderness around the incision area and swelling around the operative site. Depending on the procedure selected, recovery times vary in each patient.

The risk of complications includes blood clot formation, infection, and stiffness in the knee. Dr Grey will discuss the details of the procedure beforehand, perusing the risks and benefits of the procedure.

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