Partial Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

1. Overview:

A partial knee replacement is an alternative to a complete knee replacement for certain persons with knee osteoarthritis. When the injury is limited to a specific knee compartment, this surgery can be performed. A partial knee replacement replaces just the damaged section of the knee cartilage with a prosthetic.

Previously, partial knee replacement was reserved for elderly patients who participated in limited activities. Partial knee replacement is now commonly performed on younger patients since recovery is faster and less painful. It is anticipated that 5% to 6% of persons with arthritic knees are candidates for partial knee replacement.

2. Alternate Name

Unicompartmental Knee replacement, unicondylar knee arthroplasty

3. Body Location:

An inward (medial) or outward part of the knee or its kneecap part.

4. How Performed:

The technique consists of three essential steps:

  • Prepare the bone: Your surgeon will use special saws to remove the damaged cartilage from your knee's compartment.
  • Determine the size of your bone and where to place the metal implant: The surgeon replaces the excised cartilage and bone with metal covers that reconstruct the joint surface. A metallic component is usually cemented into the bone. In cementless fixation, the metal pieces are pressed into the bone, releasing the implant to grow into the bone.
  • Add a spacer: The surgeon inserts a plastic insert between the two metallic elements to provide a smooth gliding surface.

5. Preparation:

Here are a few things you can do before surgery to make your house more secure and pleasant while you recover.

  • To avoid falls, move tripping hazards.
  • Make a walking path around all of the furnishings.
  • Place stuff you'll need close at hand.
  • Consider installing safety railings in your bathroom.
  • Create a one-story dwelling place.

5. Procedure Type:

Surgical Procedure

6. Follow up

Partial knee replacement patients heal faster than complete knee replacement patients. Within 3 to 4 weeks of surgery, many patients can walk without assistance. Physical treatment will be required for 3 to 4 months.

For some people, partial knee replacement might be beneficial. Eventually, the unreplaced section of the knee may need to be replaced, necessitating a total knee replacement. Partially or wholly replacing a tooth has good results after surgery for up to ten years. A partial patella does not produce the same long-term results as partial inside or outside replacements. Ask your doctor if you qualify for a partial knee replacement and your success rate.

7. Risks

  • An infection will likely develop at the surgery site. Blood clots, as well as injury to a blood artery or a nerve, pose a risk. These consequences are highly uncommon.
  • You could feel some stiffness in your knees.
  • Late consequences may include infection, prosthesis failure or loosening, and ongoing discomfort.

8. Recovery

You can begin moving your knee the day after surgery. Your knee function should be restored more quickly and with less discomfort than total knee replacement. While in the hospital and for two to four weeks following release, you'll work with a physical therapist to mobilise the knee. You should be released within one or two days of surgery.

You'll need medicine to prevent the formation of a blood clot while in the hospital and maybe for some time after you're discharged.

If everything goes well, you should be able to resume normal activities in six to eight weeks. Because the replacement contains a bearing surface that might deteriorate, impact workouts or jogging/running may not be advised. On the other hand, tennis, skiing, and other sports are permissible. Of course, this is why partial knee replacement is being investigated - to get you back to doing things you like.

 

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