In this article we explore the cost of knee prosthesis surgery, which allows you to lead an active, pain-free life.
The knee prosthesis represents the solution to various joint pathologies that decrease the quality of life for those affected.
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation, including the types of prostheses available, the cost of the surgery and the recovery times.
In this article we address all these concerns to help you approach the surgery with peace of mind.
With a knee prosthesis you can walk again and lead an active, pain-free life.
Types of knee prosthesis surgery
When the knee joint, located between the femur, tibia and patella, is irreparably damaged, it may be necessary to insert a prosthesis.
The first symptoms that should prompt you to consult a specialist immediately are swelling, poor joint mobility and especially constant pain, even at rest in the worst cases.
When medications and lifestyle changes no longer alleviate the symptoms, surgery becomes appropriate.
Knee prosthesis surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can stop pain, correct limb deformities and allow the resumption of normal activities.
Surgical intervention can be performed in two ways, depending on whether the entire knee joint or only one compartment is damaged:
- total knee replacement;
- partial or unicompartmental knee replacement.
Only an orthopedic specialist can determine the appropriate type of prosthesis through a thorough examination and X-rays, based on the severity of the joint condition and other factors.
How long does knee prosthesis surgery last and what is the lifespan of the new prosthesis?
Whether it is a total or partial prosthesis, the surgery is usually performed under spinal anesthesia, accompanied by sedation if you wish to sleep.
The surgery for a compartmental prosthesis lasts about 40 minutes, 60 minutes for a total prosthesis and 90 minutes in the case of prosthesis revision.
You may feel that the duration is longer because, before the surgery nurses and the anesthetist follow important identification and safety procedures, as well as administer pain control medications.
The awakening phase can vary in duration, which is why it takes about 2-3 hours from the time you leave the ward to the time you return.
The lifespan of the new joint, thanks to the advanced designs and biocompatible materials used, is about 20 years in 90% of patients and more than 25 years in 80% of them.
Recovery times after knee prosthesis surgery
Recovery times vary not only based on the type of surgery, but also on individual factors such as your general health, age, or associated diseases, e.g. Parkinson’s disease.
In the postoperative period a physiotherapy program is necessary for both types of surgery and begins immediately after surgery, continuing at home upon discharge.
For rapid recovery times muscle-strengthening exercises and physiotherapy support before surgery are also helpful.
Modern rehabilitation protocols based on the concept of rapid recovery are personalized and differentiated from patient to patient.
To be guided through this process you can consult a physiotherapist or use the MyMobility app, created through a partnership between Apple and Zimmer Biomet.
Generally, in the case of a knee prosthesis, the recovery times can be as follows:
- autonomy for postural transitions and walking, generally with the aid of crutches – 0-1 days;
- autonomy for daily activities – 1-5 days;
- walking without crutches, depending on the case – from 10 days to 1 month;
- driving a car – from 2 weeks;
- returning to “normal” feeling the knee perfectly normal – from 3 to 6 months.
What is the cost of knee prosthesis surgery?
Knee prosthesis surgery, whether total or partial, can be performed privately, through health insurance or through the national health system (S.S.N.).
When done in agreement with the national health system, the patient is placed on a waiting list that allows access to the surgery at no cost.
It can be performed in a public hospital or a private clinic affiliated with the public system.
It is different if you decide to have the surgery in a private facility.
In this case, in addition to the cost of hospitalization, which varies from clinic to clinic, you will have to bear the costs for the operating room, anesthetist, surgeon and the prosthesis to be implanted.
The surgery can be performed free of charge through the NHS (S.S.N.) at the Valdisieve Hospital, where Dr. Vanni Strigelli, the Head of the Orthopedic Surgery Department, consults and operates both privately and under agreement.
The waiting times are variable, but usually range from 2-4 months for surgeries under agreement and between 10 and 20 days privately or with health insurance.
If you need more information about the costs of the surgery, write to us on this page.
