Knee Surgery

Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace destroyed weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint.

Knee replacement sugery is aiming at easing pain and restoring function.
It is most commonly performed for severe osteoarthritis.
Knee arthroplasty can be performed as a partial or total knee replacement. In general, the damaged joint surfaces oft he knee are replaced with metal and plastic components.
Modern knee replacements can now last up to 20 years.
Knee replacement (total or partial) is indicated only, if the knee is severely damaged and pain and function cannot be managed by nonoperative means anymore. If even simple activities, such as walking and climbing stairs or putting on socks are difficult, if you have pain even at rest, knee surgery may be recommended.
X-rays are mandatory before surgery, MRI scans not. MRI is requested only, if rare conditions like avascular necrosis and others are suspected.
An important factor in deciding weather to have knee replacement surgery is understanding what the procedure can do and cannot do.
More than 90% of patients who have total knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of knee pain. There is also a significant improvement in activities of daily living. However, jogging, jumping and high impact sports are not suitable for a total knee replacement.
All implants begin to wear with normal use and activity. Excessive activity and weight may speed up this normal wear. With appropriate activity like biking, walking, swimming and reasonable golf, light hiking and ballroom dancing knee replacements can last for many years. There is additional benefit from staying fit and healthy.

Dr. med. Renate Döbber is based in her private practice in Hamburg and Uetersen and works as an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in knee surgery at the Krankenhaus Tabea in Hamburg.
She performs Total Knee Replacements as well as Partial Knee Replacements (Unicompartmental arthroplasty) and Revision Knee Surgery.
Dr. Döbber has been trained as an Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon in internationally known departments ( see CV). She was trained in arthroscopic prcedures of the knee in her first year of an orthopaedic trainee in 1995 already (Sportklinik Hellersen). Three years after completing her orthopaedic training programme in 2002 she underwent specialist training in knee surgery in Bournemouth, England. She has been trained by excellent knee surgeons like Mr Nicholas Fiddian, Mr. Charles Blakeway and Mr Adrian Harvey.