Low knee surgery wound infection rates
Spire Healthcare hospitals work very hard to keep surgical wounds clean.
- All their hospitals have a very high proportion of single rooms which is recognised to dramatically reduce infections spreading.
- All Spire Healthcare staff are trained in exceptional hand hygiene to minimise any risk of cross-infection.
- Spire Healthcare nurses have the right skills and experience to apply dressings to keep wounds clean.
- Spire Healthcare help patients to mobilise as soon as possible to speed recovery.
- Operating theatres with laminar air flow is used for all major orthopaedic operations. Laminar air flow is an air filter system that cleans the surrounding air during surgery.
Knee surgery
During a knee replacement operation, the damaged or worn parts of the thigh and shin bones, which form the knee joint, are replaced with metal and plastic parts that glide over each other smoothly.
The knee replacement surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the operation. However, for some patients, epidural or spinal anaesthesia is preferable. This completely blocks the feeling in your legs but you stay awake.
You will be in hospital until you are able to walk safely with the aid of sticks or crutches. This will probably be three to five days after your operation.
An artificial joint will usually last for at least ten years, after which it may need to be replaced.
The cruciate ligament reconstruction involves replacing the torn anterior cruciate ligament of the knee with a graft. The graft is usually a section of tendon taken from another part of your knee, but sometimes it is from a donor or made from synthetic material. Your surgeon will choose the method most appropriate for you.
The operation is normally performed using arthroscopy (“keyhole” surgery) and usually lasts one to two hours. However a small number of people need surgery to open up the knee joint. Your surgeon will discuss which procedure is most suitable for you.
This operation is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the procedure. ACL reconstruction usually involves at least one night’s stay in hospital. Your surgeon will explain the benefits of having an ACL reconstruction, and discuss the associated risks and alternatives to the procedure.