Frequently Asked Questions
Computer Aided Total Knee Replacement
View 3D procedure animations here
Q. Why use a computer in operations?
A. Research has shown that Total knee replacements and Anterior Cruciate Reconstructions done the traditional way, are prone to human error which can cause the operations to fail.
Q. Does the computer do the surgery?
A. No. The computer uses infra red light to measure the knee and shows Mr Sampath where to make the cuts. It then checks the cuts after he has made them. If anything has to be changed, Mr Sampath can change it to make it right.
Q. Will Mr Sampath be doing the operation himself?
A. Yes always. Mr Sampath has a special team that assist him during the operations. A picture of the team can be seen here.
Q. Is there anyone else doing this surgery?
A. Mr Sampath is the only expert in the Northwest of England. His clinic, The Bluespot Knee Clinic is the only clinic in England to be recognised as a reference centre for Computer Aided Knee Surgery.
Q. Does Mr Sampath train other surgeons to do this procedure?
A. Surgeons who wish to view this procedure are welcome to apply for a place as an observer only at The Bluespot Knee Clinic. Permission would first have to be obtained on an individual basis from the patient who is having the operation. This is done by Mr Sampath Mr Sampath is a recognised International Instructor in Computer Aided Knee Surgery and regularly trains groups of surgeons at approved courses in Germany
Q. When can I have a shower?
A. You can have a shower 5days after the operation, provided the wound is kept covered.
Q. When can I have a bath?
A. A. You can have a bath as soon as the clips are out and the wound is fully healed. This is usually about 10 to 12 days after the operation.
Q. When can I swim?
A. You can go in the pool as soon as the clips are out and the wound is fully healed. This is usually about 10 to 12 days after the operation. You can do any stroke except for the breast stroke. The breast stroke is bad for knees and should never be done.
Q. Why is the skin numb on the outside of the incision?
A. The skin is always numb on the lateral side of the midline incision. This is because tiny nerves in the skin are always cut while making the incision. This improves a little over time but never goes away completely.
Q. How long will the operation take?
A. The operation itself takes about 50 minutes surgical time. The total time in the operating theatre also includes the time to and from theatre, the anaesthetic time and the recovery time. So the patient can expect to be off the ward for about three to four hours
Q. How long will it be before I can walk?
A. Typically patients will walk the next day. They can climb stairs on the day of discharge which is usually day 4 after the operation.
Q. When can I drive?
A. 8 weeks after a right TKR and 6 weeks after a left TKR
Q. Where do I have physiotherapy?
A. The physiotherapy is usually done at the Classic Fylde Coast Hospital. However we regularly make arrangements for patients to have physiotherapy nearer home if required.
Q. How long is the rehabilition?
A. A The physiotherapy is individualised to each patient. Patients use two crutches on discharge and gradually progress to sticks and then to no walking aids. Typically patients need physiotherapy for a month and then continue with their exercises at home. Patients say that their knee "feels right" at about 4 months after the surgery.
Q. When can I play golf?
A. Usually 9 holes after about 12 weeks. 18 holes after about 20 weeks.
Q. If I need to have a knee replacement on the other side, how long do I have to wait?
A. Usually about 4 weeks after the first side.