Dr. Scorpie, knee & joint specialist

Knee surgery

With years of expertise in knee surgery, Dr. Scorpie treats arthritis, ligament and meniscus injuries, and post-traumatic damage. His approach combines state-of-the-art surgical techniques and individualized rehabilitation plans, aiming to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support patients in regaining their independence and quality of life.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back – regain movement, regain freedom.

Chronic knee pain and severe mobility limitations can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Beyond the persistent discomfort—which can range from mild nuisance to severe, disabling pain—these issues directly affect everyday activities: walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, or even getting dressed.

A person suffering from chronic knee pain may gradually become dependent on others, losing autonomy and independence. Functional limitations also affect overall health: reduced physical activity can lead to muscle loss, weight gain, and decreased cardiovascular fitness. Together, these factors create a vicious cycle where pain, immobility, and overall decline reinforce each other.

Early and effective management of chronic knee pain and mobility restrictions not only aims to relieve local symptoms, but also plays a key role in maintaining an active, independent, and fulfilling life, supporting physical, psychological, and social well-being.

The treatment of knee problems ranges from conservative and minimally invasive interventions to knee prosthesis implantation, depending on the severity of joint damage and the patient’s symptoms.
For cases of irreversible joint damage, chronic pain, and significant functional limitation, a knee prosthesis is indicated. The most common indications are:

1. Advanced osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)
At this stage, the articular cartilage is worn away, leading to bone-on-bone contact between the femur and tibia. Patients experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and major difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities. Knee replacement relieves pain and restores mobility and function.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases
Chronic inflammation can progressively destroy cartilage and erode bone, sometimes causing joint deformity. When medications and physical therapy fail, a knee prosthesis becomes necessary to relieve pain and improve function.
3. Severe fractures or post-traumatic joint damage
Complex fractures or trauma may make reconstruction or fixation impossible, particularly in elderly patients or those with osteoporosis. Prosthetic replacement restores stability, mobility, and independence.

For patients with less advanced disease or localized damage, less invasive procedures may be considered:
1. Arthroscopic surgery to remove debris, repair or remove damaged tissue, and smooth cartilage surfaces.
2. Osteotomy, which realigns the knee joint to reduce pressure on the damaged area.
3. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement, replacing only the affected compartment of the knee while preserving healthy tissue.

Early and appropriate management—whether minimally invasive or prosthetic—aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and allow patients to maintain an active and independent life.

Surgical Indication and Approach
The decision to perform a knee replacement is based on your symptoms, imaging results, and how the condition affects your daily life and overall quality of life. The main goals are to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to everyday activities. Each procedure is carried out with precision and attention, following established protocols and tailored to your individual needs. My orthopedic experience, regularly updated with the latest techniques, ensures a safe and effective surgery.
After surgery, a multidisciplinary team—including rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, anesthesiologists, and internal medicine specialists—works together to support a smooth and rapid recovery.

Preoperative Assessment
A detailed preoperative evaluation is key to planning your surgery accurately. This includes:
1. A thorough clinical examination of the knee
2. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
3. Laboratory tests including blood count, inflammation markers, and kidney/liver function
4. Multidisciplinary consultations if needed

This careful assessment ensures that surgery is the right choice for you, allows us to customize the procedure to your needs, and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome and smooth recovery.

Have Questions ?

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint (femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella) are replaced with an artificial prosthesis. It is usually recommended for patients suffering from arthritis, ligament or meniscus damage, fractures, or severe joint degeneration when pain or loss of mobility no longer respond to medications or physiotherapy.

Is this a standard procedure?

Yes and No ! Every surgery is tailored to the patient’s needs after a comprehensive evaluation including imaging, mobility analysis, functional assessment, and discussion of goals. But knee replacement is a well-established and common procedure performed worldwide. It is considered safe and effective, and thousands of patients undergo it every year. Modern surgical techniques and prosthetic designs allow for rapid recovery and long-lasting results.

What types of prostheses are available?

Several types of knee prostheses exist depending on the patient’s condition:

1. Total knee replacement: replaces both the tibial and femoral surfaces, and sometimes the patella.
2. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement: only the affected compartment of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy tissue.
3. Cemented or cementless: the prosthesis may be fixed with bone cement or designed to integrate naturally with the bone.
The choice depends on age, activity level, bone quality, and the type of joint damage.

Why is preparation important?

Good preparation reduces the risk of complications and improves recovery. This includes medical evaluations (blood tests, imaging), reviewing medications, and preparing the home for post-surgery support. Maintaining good physical condition, stopping smoking, and sometimes performing pre-operative physiotherapy can make rehabilitation smoother.

Will it be painful?

Some pain and discomfort are normal after knee replacement. Modern pain management protocols, including regional anesthesia and medications, help control pain effectively. Most patients notice that post-operative pain is much less severe than the chronic knee pain experienced before surgery. Pain usually decreases gradually as the knee heals.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, sometimes combined with a spinal or epidural block. The regional block reduces post-operative pain and allows for a faster start to rehabilitation. Your anesthesiologist will choose the safest option based on your medical history.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, patients spend a few hours in the recovery room before returning to their hospital room. The leg may be slightly elevated or supported, and pain medication is provided. Early mobilization usually begins within 1 day after surgery, with the help of physiotherapists, to prevent stiffness and improve joint function.

When can I move my hip or return to activities?

Walking with support (walker or crutches) usually starts the day after surgery. Gradually, patients can increase weight bearing as guided by the surgeon. Most can resume daily activities such as dressing, sitting, or climbing stairs within 2 to 6 weeks. Sports or heavy physical activity may be resumed after 3 to 6 months, depending on your rehabilitation progress.

How long does a prosthesis last? Will I need another surgery in the future?

Modern knee prostheses typically last 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer. The need for revision surgery depends on factors such as activity level, bone quality, and wear of the prosthesis. Younger or highly active patients may require revision earlier, while older patients often have longer-lasting results.

Are there risks or complications?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots, or nerve injury. Specific to knee replacement, complications can include prosthesis loosening, stiffness, or misalignment. Serious complications are rare, and surgeons take precautions to minimize them. Most patients recover without major issues.

What are the main benefits?

Knee replacement significantly reduces pain, improves mobility, and enhances quality of life. Most patients regain the ability to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and sitting comfortably. Many also return to leisure activities like cycling, swimming, or light sports without discomfort.

How long will I stay in the hospital and need support?

Hospital stay is usually 2 to 4 days, depending on your recovery and overall health. After discharge, you may need assistance at home for tasks like cooking, cleaning, and dressing. A walker or crutches is often required initially, and support from family or caregivers is important during the first weeks. Full independence gradually returns with rehabilitation.