Knee<\/p>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#ff339b” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Knee arthritis<\/a> | Knee Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span><\/a> | ACL Reconstruction<\/span><\/span><\/a> | Total Knee Replacement<\/span><\/span><\/a> | Revision Knee Replacement<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”Knee arthritis” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Knee Arthritis<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What is Knee arthritis?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Knee arthritis is a condition that commonly affects the knee joint cartilage. In a healthy knee, a smooth, slippery substance, known as articular cartilage, covers the bones and allows them to smoothly glide over each other. When a knee is affected by arthritis, this layer of cartilage breaks down and causes pain, swelling and a reduction of motion.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> What causes knee arthritis?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is caused by general \u201cwear-and-tear\u201d and usually occurs in people aged over 50 years. Osteoarthritis develops slowly, and the pain can get worse over time. While the exact causes of osteoarthritis are not known, the following factors contribute to the condition:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Occasionally, knee arthritis may also be the result of rheumatoid arthritis, which is a disease that attacks many joints throughout the body. Knee arthritis can also occur after an injury to the knee.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Knee Arthritis Symptoms<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” min_height=”30.4px” global_colors_info=”{}”] The symptoms of knee arthritis include pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion in the knee.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Diagnosing Knee Arthritis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] The first diagnosis of knee arthritis will probably be made by your GP. He or she will usually assess your overall physical health and will probably send you for X-rays. You may also be sent for an MRI or a bone scan.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Knee Arthritis treatment<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers<\/span>\u202frecommends trying a range of non-surgical treatments prior to considering surgery. These include weight loss, and regular exercise, as well as low-impact activities such as swimming<\/span> and <\/span>walking<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Surgery for Knee Arthritis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] If your knee pain is severely affecting your quality of life, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Most surgeries for knee arthritis aim to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most common types of surgery for knee arthritis include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Knee Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What is Knee Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive form of keyhole surgery. It is used both to diagnose (and sometimes treat) knee joint problems. During the procedure, <\/span>Dr de Villiers <\/span>will make two or three small incisions into your knee and insert a thin, metal tube that holds a light source and a camera into the knee.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Why Do I Need a Knee Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers<\/span> may recommend a Knee Arthroscopy if you are experiencing on-going knee pain. Even if your doctor already knows what is causing your pain, a knee arthroscopy can help confirm their diagnosis and, in some instances, treat the pain.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] How Do I Prepare for a Knee Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers<\/span> will tell you how to prepare for your surgery when you attend our practice for your consultation. <\/span>He<\/span> will ask you about any prescriptions, medications, or supplements that you\u2019re currently taking. <\/span>He<\/span> may also ask you to stop taking certain medicines, such as ibuprofen, before the procedure. You will probably be told to stop eating in the hours leading up to the surgery, and you will be provided with written information about what to do on the day.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Recovery from Knee Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Knee Arthroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure, and most patients go home after a two- or three-hour recovery period.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> ACL Reconstruction<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What is ACL Reconstruction?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (also known as ACL Reconstruction) is a common surgical procedure which is performed when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is ruptured.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Why Do I Need an ACL Reconstruction?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers will recommend an ACL Reconstruction if you have torn your anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is a sturdy ligament that runs from the femur to the tibia and through the centre of the knee. When this ligament ruptures it does not heal and leads to knee instability. The aim of ACL Reconstruction is to restore stability to the knee.<\/span> What happens during an ACL Reconstruction?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] ACL Reconstruction procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. During the procedure<\/span>, Dr de Villiers <\/span>will make two small cuts around your knee. A thin metal tube with a tiny video camera is inserted into your knee joint. A sterile solution will also be pumped into the joint to help <\/span>Dr de Villiers<\/span> get a clear view.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Recovery from an ACL Reconstruction<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>Knee arthritis can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs and it can seriously affect your quality of life. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, however, the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
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<\/span>Images from the camera are sent to a screen so the surgeon can see inside the joint. Sometimes, small surgical instruments will be used with the arthroscope to help <\/span>Dr de Villiers <\/span>treat certain conditions such as torn ligaments and cartilage.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>Dr de Villiers<\/span> will provide you with information about recovering from the procedure. It\u2019s a good idea to have someone at home to look after you on the first day. You will also be asked to keep your leg elevated and to use an ice pack for the first two days.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>You\u2019ll also need to change your dressing. <\/span>Dr de Villiers<\/span>, or a member of our medical team will tell you when and how to do this, and how regularly. You will also probably have a follow-up appointment a day or two after the procedure.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>It\u2019s likely that you will be given an exercise routine to follow when you go home. This will help your knee recover. You might also need to see a physiotherapist until you have regained a full range of motion in your knee.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”ACL Reconstruction” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>ACL Reconstruction is usually done through arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. This means that it is minimally invasive and only requires a small incision to be made. ACL Reconstruction has low complication rates and the outcomes are generally positive.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>ACL ruptures most commonly occur during sports or activities that involve overextending or twisting the knee. The ACL can rupture as a result of:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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