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Endoprosthesis

Endoprosthesis or endoprosthetics – what is it actually?

An endoprosthesis is an artificial joint that can be used to replace another joint in the human body. The artificial implant serves as a joint replacement, which should remain in the body for as long as possible. Various reasons may be behind the use of a prosthesis. In most cases, these are age-related signs of wear and tear, such as osteoarthritis.

A wide variety of types of joints can be replaced during arthroplasty, such as:

Knee joint
Hip joint
Ankle joint

Endoprosthetics is used more frequently than average in Germany every year, so that the use of a knee prosthesis or other endoprosthesis is a routine procedure.

Endoprosthetics – what are the possible reasons?

If the affected joint is no longer fully functional due to signs of wear, injuries or accidents, endoprosthetics may be considered. One of the most important reasons, besides permanent pain, can be the restriction of movement. Other circumstances, which can speak for the use of prostheses:

Malpositions
Bone defects

Various goals are pursued with arthroplasty. First and foremost, it is intended to alleviate the pain that has arisen due to irreversibly damaged joints. Your quality of life should be improved and mobility restored.

Do you need a personal consultation?

The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

089 4141 434-64

What are the different types of end prostheses? What are the areas of application?

In arthroplasty, a distinction is made between total end prostheses and partial end prostheses. Total end prostheses are used to replace the entire joint. In contrast, partial end prostheses replace only a specific part of the joint.

The areas of application for an endoprosthesis are diverse, for example in sports orthopedics, trauma surgery or orthopedics. Artificial joints are most commonly used in the knee and hip. An artificial hip can also turn out differently:

Total hip replacement (TEP): A hip TEP can replace the entire hip joint and take over its function. The advantage is that mobility can be approximately restored by this endoprosthesis.

Other applications of other endoprostheses:

Shoulder prosthesis
Ankle joint prosthesis
Knee joint prosthesis

What materials are used for an endoprosthesis?

An artificial joint must meet certain requirements in order to remain in the body for as long as possible. The first priority is to ensure high tolerability in order to avoid possible rejection reactions. In modern endoprosthetics, whether artificial hip joint or implanted endoprosthesis, the use of special metal alloys is emphasized. These alloys are usually based on titanium, cobalt or chromium and are produced in sliding couples. There are also prostheses, which are made of ceramics. The inlay is always made of polyethylene, which serves as a cartilage substitute.

Endoprostheses can then be secured in the body in a variety of ways, depending on where they are used. It is crucial that the prosthesis is fixed to the bone. This is the only way that the artificial joint can subsequently bond firmly to the bone. There are two different ways in which a joint replacement can be fixed. Most often, the cemented version is chosen, which ensures a fast healing process. An alternative method is cementless implantation of the endoprosthesis. A combination of both can also be performed at our Orthopedic Center Munich East by our experienced physicians.

Endoprosthetics – which surgical methods are used?

Minimally invasive operations can now also be performed in endoprosthetics. The aim is to proceed as gently as possible in order to reach the joint in question. Whether it is a replacement operation or the implantation of a first endoprosthesis, our doctors always try to choose the gentlest way possible. The advantages of minimally invasive at a glance:

Protection of tissue and muscles in deeper layers
rapid recovery of mobility after surgery
optimal protection against dislocation

Endoprosthesis – what complications or risks can occur?

Surgery or treatment is associated with possible complications and this also applies to the implantation of artificial joints. Traditional complications that can occur during any surgery include thrombosis or disruption of the wound healing process. During surgery, there may also be unwanted injuries to nerves and muscles, which can be repaired directly.

After the insertion of an endoprosthesis, swelling and bruising in the area of the affected joint are quite normal. You can actively support the healing process with cooling or special ointments. Infections can also occur, but this is very rare. We would be happy to tell you more about the risks in our arthroplasty center.

Tips for the period after implantation of the endoprosthesis

Inserted joints require a certain period of time to fuse firmly with the natural bone. Especially in the initial period, you may only put a certain amount of weight on the joint. Nevertheless, it is important not to remain in a complete rest position. Moderate movements and physiotherapeutic measures can support the healing process. More tips:

attend all appointments within the framework of follow-up treatment
pay attention to special skin care for optimal scar healing
special muscle training for better mobility

After the insertion of an endoprosthesis, we will provide you with comprehensive care and offer you individual follow-up treatment at our Orthopedic Center Munich East. We perform the surgical treatments of endoprosthetics in the Dr. Lubos Clinic in Munich-Bogenhausen.

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