Name of the Procedure:

Unlisted Procedure, Femur or Knee

• Common Terms: Custom Femur or Knee Surgery, Non-Specified Femur/Knee Operation, Unlisted Orthopedic Procedure

Summary

An unlisted procedure for the femur or knee involves a surgical operation that does not fall under a specific, predefined category. These procedures are often tailored to the unique needs of a patient and can address a wide range of issues within the femur or knee joint area.

Purpose

• Addresses: Trauma, deformities, severe arthritis, chronic pain, or other complex conditions affecting the femur or knee.
• Goals: To relieve pain, restore function, correct deformities, or improve mobility in the affected area.

Indications

• Severe knee or femur pain unresponsive to conservative treatments.
• Complex fractures or dislocations.
• Deformities of the femur or knee.
• Previous failed knee surgeries requiring corrective procedures.

Preparation

• Fasting: Usually required 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Medication: Adjustments may be required, particularly with blood thinners and certain other medications.
• Diagnostics: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to evaluate the affected area.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administer general or regional anesthesia.
2. Incision: A surgeon makes an incision in the skin overlying the femur or knee.
3. Surgical Steps: This can involve repositioning bones, removing or repairing damaged tissue, implanting hardware like screws or plates, or other necessary actions per the specific condition.
4. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples and bandaged.

Tools: Scalpels, orthopedic drills, screws, plates, custom implants. Anesthesia: General or regional, depending on the patient’s condition and procedure complexity.

Duration

• Typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Setting

• Performed in a hospital's operating room or a specialized orthopedic surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical technician

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve or vessel injury
• Non-healing of the bone
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion

Benefits

• Pain relief
• Improved mobility and function
• Correction of deformities
• Enhanced quality of life

Recovery

• Hospital Stay: Typically 1-3 days post-operation.
• Post-Procedure Care: Includes pain management, physical therapy, and wound care.
• Recovery Time: Patients may resume normal activities within 6 weeks to several months, depending on the extent of surgery.
• Restrictions: Limited weight-bearing and activity modification until healing progresses.
• Follow-ups: Regular appointments to monitor healing and progress.

Alternatives

• Conservative treatments: Physical therapy, medication, and injections.
• Other surgical options: Predefined femur/knee surgeries like total knee replacement or femoral osteotomy.
• Pros of Alternatives: Less invasive options may pose fewer risks.
• Cons of Alternatives: May not provide sufficient relief or correction in complex cases.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patient will be under anesthesia and should feel no pain.
• Post-Procedure: Expect some pain and swelling, manageable with medications.
• Comfort Measures: Ice packs, elevation of the leg, and prescribed pain relief will help manage discomfort.