Replacement of the knee joint.
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Partial Knee Replacement
This term is more general and can refer to both total knee replacement and unicondylar replacement.
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Introduction
The knee has three compartments: patellofemoral (front), medial (inside), and lateral (outside). A partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, is a minimally invasive surgery performed when arthritis is confined to a single compartment of the knee. Only the damaged part is replaced with an implant, leaving the healthy cartilage and bone intact.
Overview and Indications
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis where the joint cartilage wears away, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. A partial knee replacement is an option if non-surgical treatments have failed to relieve symptoms in a single-compartment arthritic knee.
Surgical Procedure and Post-operative Care
A small incision is made, and the damaged part of the meniscus is removed. The implant is placed into the bone after shaping the shin and thigh bones. A plastic component is secured with bone cement, followed by a metal component for the thigh bone. After the procedure, the knee's range of motion is tested, and the incision is closed. Patients may use a walker or cane for 1-2 weeks and will have a physical therapy program for 4-6 months to restore strength and range of motion.
Advantages
The advantages over a total knee replacement include a smaller incision, less blood loss, quicker recovery, less pain, a better range of motion, and a more natural feel to the knee.