Small prosthesis: The new hope for knee patients in Bad Hersfeld!

Small prosthesis: The new hope for knee patients in Bad Hersfeld!

The use of a new knee joint is one of the 20 most common surgical interventions in Germany. This number shows a significant increase, which is due to the increasing number of patients suffering from knee arthrosis. In order to meet this challenge, orthopedics in the Bad Hersfeld Clinic has established itself as a permanent contact for affected patients.

At the beginning of 2025, Ulrike Köpsel from Bad Wildungen received a sled prosthesis that is a gentle alternative to the conventional full prosthesis. Köpsel, who works as a nurse and was trained according to health problems in 2010, has a moving medical history. In 2010 she was stiffened to relieve pain to relieve pain, and in the following years she had to undergo several arthroscopies on the knee.

The advantages of the sled prosthesis

dr. Philipp Dworschak, chief physician of orthopedics in Bad Hersfeld, explains that about 20% of the patients are suitable for a sled prosthesis. This special prosthesis only replaces the worn part of the knee joint, while the healthy shares are preserved. This enables faster recovery and a shortened rehabilitation period. Dr. Dworschak, who has many years of experience in the use of sledding prostheses, emphasizes that the prosthesis can hold an average of 15 to 20 years.

The sled prosthesis, also known as a unicondylary prosthesis, has decisive advantages over the total endoprosthesis (TEP). The latter removes both articular surfaces and the cross ligaments, while the sled prosthesis only affects one side of the joint. This is particularly advantageous if only one side of the knee is affected by osteoarthritis, be it the media or lateral gonarthrosis, often as a result of malpositions such as O-leg or X-leg position.

technical details and recreational process

In the minimally invasive operation, the joint surfaces on the thigh and lower leg bone are replaced by metal implants. A plastic inlay between these components enables smooth gliding. Patients are often allowed to put a fully burden on the knee and benefit from improved mobility compared to the TEP.

Köpsel, which is through a friend on Dr. Dworschak became aware of and attended his lecture, has survived the procedure well. After the operation, her knee of course felt for her, and she is very satisfied with her stay and treatment in the clinic. She also recommends the Bad Hersfeld Clinic.

In the summer of 2025, orthopedics will move to the main location on Seilerweg to further improve the quality of care.

considerations for the two -sided implantation

The decision for a mutual implantation of sled prostheses requires careful consideration. There are advantages in the shortening of the total recovery period as well as the saving of hospital stays and rehabilitation costs. However, this can also increase the risk because blood loss can be greater and rehabilitation is more intensive, which requires more support in the early phase. The requirements for mobility can be a challenge in the early days.

Patients in good health constitution without serious comorbidities who want a quick return to their active lifestyle can benefit from this method. Dr. Dworschak emphasizes the need for an individual risk-benefit analysis with a treating orthopedic surgeon to find the best strategy for patients.

Overall, it can be seen that the sled prosthesis is a promising option for patients who suffer from knee arthrosis and that orthopedics in the Bad Hersfeld Clinic is on a future -oriented way to help these people. Further information on the sledding prosthesis can be found on Medpertise and Endoprotheticum .