What is a Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery that preserves your ligaments, maintaining a more natural feel to the knee. Additional benefits include a quicker recovery than total knee replacement and less postoperative pain. One of the most common indications for a partial knee replacement is severe arthritis isolated to one compartment of the knee. The knee is made up of three compartments: the medial (inner side), lateral (outer side), and patellofemoral (beneath the knee cap) compartments. In a partial knee replacement, also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced.
What Should I Expect During a Partial Knee Replacement?
Surgery is usually done under spinal anesthesia and takes about an hour to perform. After the exposure is complete, Dr. Phillips removes the damaged bone from the problematic compartment of the knee using 3D image guidance and robotic technology. The partial knee replacement implants are then placed in a custom fashion and digitally tested to ensure full range of motion and ideal ligament stability. Once all components are in place the incision is typically closed with a dissolvable suture beneath the skin.
What is the Postoperative Course After a Partial Knee Replacement?
Immediately after the procedure patients can typically put their full weight on their surgical leg. The vast majority of patients are discharged home on the day of surgery. Outpatient physical therapy is critical to achieving an exceptional result and takes place twice per week for an average of 6-8 weeks. At that point, most patients are well recovered and returning to athletic activities. However, small gains can be made out to the 1 year mark when full recovery has occurred.
Is a Partial Knee Replacement Right For Me?
Many factors influence whether a partial knee replacement is recommended. These include patient age, number of knee compartments involved, location of symptoms, ligament stability, and whether a limb deformity, if present, is appropriately correctable. Dr. Phillips is well recognized for her expertise in partial knee replacements and will have a thorough discussion with you about whether this procedure is a good match for your knee problem and lifestyle.