Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement (also known as unicompartmental knee replacement) is a surgical procedure that is used to treat severe knee arthritis. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have arthritis that is limited to one part of the knee joint.
Basic anatomy of the knee joint
The knee joint is a complex hinge joint that consists of three compartments:
- The knee joint is a complex hinge joint that consists of three compartments:
- Lateral compartment: This compartment is located on the outside of the knee joint and is responsible for the articulation of the femur and tibia(shin bone).
- Medial compartment: This compartment is located on the inside of the knee joint and is responsible for the articulation of the femur and tibia. The medial compartment is often the first area of the knee joint to develop osteoarthritis.
Each compartment of the knee joint is separated by cartilage, which acts as a cushion to prevent bone-on-bone contact. When this cartilage wears away, it can result in painful bone-on-bone contact, known as osteoarthritis.
Basic anatomy of the knee joint
Benefits of partial knee replacement
- Faster recovery time: Partial knee replacement typically involves a smaller incision, less bone removal, and less disruption of surrounding soft tissues than total knee replacement. This can result in a faster recovery time and less pain after surgery.
- Less blood loss: Partial knee replacement is associated with less blood loss than total knee replacement, which can be particularly beneficial for people with certain medical conditions or those who are at high risk for complications.
- More natural knee movement: Because only one part of the knee joint is replaced in a partial knee replacement, the joint may feel and move more naturally than in a total knee replacement. This can result in better range of motion and patient’s satisfaction score.
- Lower risk of complications: Because partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure, it is associated with a lower risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, knee stiffness.
- Better preservation of healthy tissue: In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced, which means that healthy tissue is preserved. This can be beneficial for people who may need additional knee surgery in the future.
It is important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for partial knee replacement. Your surgeon will consider factors such as the extent of your knee arthritis, your overall health, and your activity level when recommending the best treatment option for you.
1
Faster recovery time
Partial knee replacement typically involves a smaller incision, less bone removal, and less disruption of surrounding soft tissues than total knee replacement. This can result in a faster recovery time and less pain after surgery.
2
Less blood loss
Partial knee replacement is associated with less blood loss than total knee replacement, which can be particularly beneficial for people with certain medical conditions or those who are at high risk for complications.
3
More natural knee movement
4
Lower risk of complications
Because partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure, it is associated with a lower risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, knee stiffness.
5
Better preservation of healthy tissue
It is important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for partial knee replacement. Your surgeon will consider factors such as the extent of your knee arthritis, your overall health, and your activity level when recommending the best treatment option for you.
