SUCCESSFUL TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT RESTORES HOPE FOR 68-YEAR-OLD PATIENT AT LEVY MWANAWASA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

A 68-year-old female patient suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis with valgus deformity has successfully undergone a Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty) at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital.

The patient had endured severe knee pain for six years, a condition that significantly affected her mobility and quality of life. Following comprehensive medical evaluation, the right knee, which was more severely affected, was successfully operated on as planned.

Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual loss of articular cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In advanced Grade 4 cases, Total Knee Replacement becomes the definitive surgical procedure to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life.

During the procedure, the damaged knee joint was replaced with an artificial implant made of metal and polyethylene in a surgery known as Total Knee Arthroplasty. The operation was successfully completed, marking another important milestone in advanced orthopaedic care at the institution.

The procedure was performed by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team comprising:

Lead Surgeon

Dr. Meleki Joseph Beenzu – Senior Registrar, Orthopaedic Surgery

Assistant Surgeons

Dr. Charles Imasiku – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Epifano Abwino Banda – Registrar, Orthopaedic Surgery

Scrub Nurse

Sr. Bernadette

Anaesthesia Team

Mr. Kaumba
Ms. Racheal
Ms. Sherister Luwaile

Medical Representative

Mr. Sunday

The operation, which lasted slightly over two hours, reflects the growing capacity and expertise for complex orthopaedic procedures at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital.

Post-operatively, the patient is expected to begin early mobilisation and walking within a short period, with full recovery anticipated within three to six weeks. The successful surgery is expected to significantly improve the patient’s independence, reduce long-term dependence on pain medication, and enhance overall quality of life.

This achievement further highlights the increasing availability of advanced orthopaedic surgical services locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad while strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system and specialised medical services.