Partial knee replacement (also referred to as unicompartmental knee replacement) is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and stiffness in the knee joint. During a partial knee replacement, the surgeon removes a portion of the joint and replaces it with metal or plastic components. This surgery is typically less invasive than total knee replacement, requiring a smaller incision and a shorter recovery time.
Medical professionals usually recommend partial knee replacement for people with advanced osteoarthritis that hasn’t responded to alternative treatments (such as medications or physiotherapy). The patient’s pain must also be contained within one compartment of the knee. If problems are more widespread, total knee replacement may represent a better option.
There are a few health issues that may disqualify people from undergoing partial knee replacement, including knee stiffness, inflammatory arthritis, and ligament damage. Patients with these problems may be eligible for total knee replacement, however.
The doctor will start by ordering imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans to determine the extent of the damage to the knee. They will use this information to plan the surgery and set a date for the appointment. Patients undergoing knee replacement don’t usually require an overnight stay in the hospital, although this decision is up to the medical team.
Next, the doctor will discuss options for anesthesia. Potential options include general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or peripheral nerve blocks (in which numbing medication is locally applied).
The surgery may take up to two hours and starts with a small knee incision. The surgeon will then explore the knee and remove any damaged cartilage. They will then measure the bones and replace the missing cartilage with metal coverings. Finally, they will insert a plastic spacer between the metal pieces to ensure the joint moves smoothly.
Doctors usually discharge patients from the hospital in the hours following a partial knee replacement. They will receive medications to help them cope with postoperative pain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics.
In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient should start to put weight on their affected joint. This measure will speed up recovery and improve long-term outcomes. Physical therapy will help the patient regain any strength lost due to their knee condition, while follow-up doctor’s appointments will ensure that the recovery goes smoothly. As a general guide, patients should resume normal activities around six weeks after surgery.
Ozark Orthopaedics has a team of board-certified orthopaedic physicians who have years of experience in performing partial knee replacement surgeries. Contact us today to find out if you are a candidate for partial knee replacement.
Are you ready to find relief for your knee pain and improve your quality of life? You may call us at (479) 521-2752 to request an appointment or click the button below.
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