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Partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty,' is a surgery that may be considered for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Traditionally, patients have undergone total knee replacement for severe arthritis of the knee joint. In a total knee replacement, all cartilage is removed from the knee joint, and a metal and plastic implant is substituted.
The partial knee replacement surgical procedure has generated significant interest because it entails a smaller incision and faster recovery than traditional total joint replacement surgery. Partial knee replacement, also called 'unicompartmental knee replacement' and 'minimally invasive knee surgery,' removes only the most damaged areas of cartilage, and replaces these surfaces.
The partial knee surgery may be possible if the arthritis in the knee is confined to a limited area. If the arthritis is widespread, then the partial knee replacement is NOT appropriate, and should not be considered. In addition, the partial knee surgery is recommended in patients who are:
If these qualifications are not met, then the minimally invasive partial knee surgery may not be as successful. Unfortunately, many patients are therefore ineligible for this minimally invasive procedure.
Other potential complications that should be discussed with your doctor prior to a partial knee replacement include infection, blood clots, and problems with anesthesia. It is important to have a long discussion with your doctor about the risks of this minimally invasive surgery, or any other procedure, prior to your operation.
Important, Before You Fly:
Please advise us if you are taking aspirins, as we need to make sure that you have at least two clear weeks of not taking them, before any operation.
When choosing your operation date, please make sure that the start date of your period does not commence on date of operation. The operation might be cancelled (please check with is first), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs associated with rebooking of flights etc., - around new date(s) offered. Please note: It does not matter if your period starts immediately after the operation. If in doubt, please select dates which you can be sure about, or see your local GP, as they can offer tablets/medication to delay your period.
Last update: 14th November 08
Partial Knee Replacement
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Partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty,' is a surgery that may be considered for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Traditionally, patients have undergone total knee replacement for severe arthritis of the knee joint. In a total knee replacement, all cartilage is removed from the knee joint, and a metal and plastic implant is substituted.
The partial knee replacement surgical procedure has generated significant interest because it entails a smaller incision and faster recovery than traditional total joint replacement surgery. Partial knee replacement, also called 'unicompartmental knee replacement' and 'minimally invasive knee surgery,' removes only the most damaged areas of cartilage, and replaces these surfaces.
Who is a good candidate for partial knee replacement?
The minimally invasive partial knee replacement is indicated in patients who have severe arthritis of the knee that have failed conservative treatments may consider this procedure. Conservative measures may include, but are not limited to, medications (such as Advil, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and Vioxx), cortisone injections, strengthening exercises, and weight loss. If these treatments are not adequate, and you as a patient are not satisfied, then surgical procedures may be considered.The partial knee surgery may be possible if the arthritis in the knee is confined to a limited area. If the arthritis is widespread, then the partial knee replacement is NOT appropriate, and should not be considered. In addition, the partial knee surgery is recommended in patients who are:
- Older than 55 years
- Not obese
- Relatively sedentary
- Have intact ligaments (specifically the ACL)
If these qualifications are not met, then the minimally invasive partial knee surgery may not be as successful. Unfortunately, many patients are therefore ineligible for this minimally invasive procedure.
What is the problem with most patients for the partial knee replacement?
Most patients who seek surgical management have arthritis that is too advanced for the minimally invasive partial knee replacement procedure. Because surgical treatment is considered a 'last-resort' by most patients, by the time surgery is necessary, their arthritis is too advanced to consider this minimally invasive procedure. If partial knee replacement is done in a patient who is a poor candidate, failure rates can be high, and conversion to a traditional total knee surgery may be more difficult.What is the benefit of the partial knee replacement?
- Smaller Incision
- Less Blood Loss
- Shorter Recovery
What is known about long-term results with partial knee replacement?
The long-term results are very good when the minimally invasive partial knee replacement is done in the right patients. Older studies showed very poor results of the partial knee replacement, but these results are thought to be due to poor patient selection. If the minimally invasive procedure is done on a patient with too widespread arthritis, the results are very likely to be less than satisfactory. If your doctor does not recommend a partial knee replacement, you may be in this situation. If this is the case, further conservative treatment (e.g. injections, physical therapy, medications, etc.), or total knee surgery are the best options.Will I need surgery again after having a partial knee replacement?
Hopefully not. When patients with a partial knee replacement are properly selected, the minimally invasive procedure is quite successful. That said, some patients continue to develop arthritis in other areas of the knee. Also, some patients wear out the unicompartmental knee implant, or it may come loose within the knee. All of these situations would require additional surgery, and possibly the conversion to a total knee surgery. Conversion from a partial knee replacement to a total knee can be more difficult because of the prior surgery, but it is not uncommon and results of conversion are good.Other potential complications that should be discussed with your doctor prior to a partial knee replacement include infection, blood clots, and problems with anesthesia. It is important to have a long discussion with your doctor about the risks of this minimally invasive surgery, or any other procedure, prior to your operation.
Extra Information
Important, Before You Fly:
Click Here to Download Full List PDF 69kb
All Clients:
Please advise us if you are taking aspirins, as we need to make sure that you have at least two clear weeks of not taking them, before any operation.
Ladies:
When choosing your operation date, please make sure that the start date of your period does not commence on date of operation. The operation might be cancelled (please check with is first), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs associated with rebooking of flights etc., - around new date(s) offered. Please note: It does not matter if your period starts immediately after the operation. If in doubt, please select dates which you can be sure about, or see your local GP, as they can offer tablets/medication to delay your period.
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Last update: 14th November 08
