The knee joint plays a crucial role in the movement of the body. When the joint is healthy and functioning well, people tend to overlook its importance. However, when the joint is damaged (becomes stiff), it can severely limit a person’s activities and cause debilitating pain, potentially leading to disability. Medical intervention can help remedy this situation.
Knee disorders can be treated using two methods (depending on the disease stage): conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatments. Conservative treatment is applied for mild cases. Moderate to severe cases require surgical intervention, which may include arthroscopy, osteotomy for alignment correction, and total knee replacement, with the latter being indicated for the most severe cases.
Total knee replacement surgery has been practiced worldwide for 40 years. In Vietnam, this technique has been available for the past five years and is currently offered at several hospitals, including the French-Vietnamese Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Duc Hospital, Hospital 108, Saint Paul Hospital in Hanoi, and the Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic Trauma Center.
| According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people aged 18-79 suffers from knee-related diseases. Knee conditions can arise from various causes, including obesity, heavy labor, carrying heavy loads, mechanical disorders of the knee joint (misalignment of the lower limbs), aging, and genetics. Additionally, knee damage can occur from sports injuries or traffic accidents. |
Dr. Serge Courtois – Head of the Orthopedic Department at the French-Vietnamese Hospital stated: “Knee replacement surgery is indicated when a patient has a damaged knee due to cartilage wear or a rheumatic condition that destroys the joint surface. The wear can affect the entire joint or just a part of it (usually the inside), causing pain in the knee during movement and potentially leading to stiffness. Both symptoms significantly hinder the patient’s mobility. The goal of artificial knee replacement is to remove the damaged cartilage surfaces and replace them with an artificial knee joint.”
Knee replacement is one of the major surgeries in reconstructive surgery aimed at restoring normal body movement function. Depending on the patient’s condition, different knee replacement methods are applied: partial knee replacement for cases where only part of the knee is damaged; total knee replacement for complete knee joint failure. Previously, hinge knee joints were commonly used. Since 2000, a new advanced type of knee joint called New Wave has been manufactured and applied in France.
According to Dr. Pham Chi Lang (Orthopedic Department at the French-Vietnamese Hospital): “New Wave is a type of knee joint that facilitates better rotational movement thanks to its rotating tibial plate. Additionally, with its anti-backward shifting system, this joint compensates for the cruciate ligaments of the knee, which are often damaged or structurally altered in severe knee osteoarthritis cases.”
Dr. Philippe Coutte, who has performed nearly 600 New Wave knee replacements for 500 patients during treatments in French hospitals, remarked: “The features of New Wave have been excellent so far. Among the 270 cases I monitored, only seven experienced minor complications. Most patients who received New Wave knee replacements have good knee mobility, with flexion averaging up to 120 degrees. Patients recover without needing crutches, can navigate stairs, and engage in sports activities like cycling, golfing, and light dancing.”
Knee replacement surgery using the New Wave implant is an advanced technique that helps patients recover nearly normal mobility functions. However, after undergoing artificial knee replacement, patients must engage in a structured rehabilitation program, as this will facilitate a faster and more effective recovery.
The New Wave knee replacement method is currently being implemented at the French-Vietnamese Hospital.
Note According to Dr. Courtois, one should not overly rely on knee replacement when the level of pain and deformity is not yet severe because the lifespan of artificial joints is not permanent. Each artificial knee joint typically lasts between 10-15 years. To avoid the need for a second knee replacement in younger individuals, who are at higher risk of early joint failure due to their activity levels and longevity, surgery should only be considered for those aged 40 and above. Candidates for knee replacement surgery should be in relatively good health, without serious chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic lung disease, unstable hypertension, or cirrhosis… |
