Partial Knee Replacement
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement in patients with arthritis on only one side of the knee. Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure which involves resurfacing and replacement of only the diseased surface of the joint instead of the entire joint.
The knee has three compartments, the medial (inside), the lateral (outside) and the patellofemoral (kneecap) compartment. Partial knee resurfacing may be an option depending on the affected surface. During the procedure, your surgeon removes only the damaged area of the bone in the affected knee and fits the implant to that bone.
Partial Knee Replacement Procedure
Unicompartmental knee replacement is a procedure that resurfaces the affected inner aspect of the femur and tibia. During the procedure, a small incision is made along the affected knee exposing the knee joint. The damaged portion of the meniscus along with a part of bone may be removed to create space for the new plastic component. The plastic component is fixed into the new created area.
Now, the damaged part of the femur along with little bone is removed to create room for the new femoral component. The new metal component is fixed with cement. After fixing the femoral and tibial components the knee is taken through a range of movements. Patellofemoral knee replacement is a procedure that resurfaces only the worn-out kneecap or patella and the groove in the thighbone (trochlea).
The procedure is performed a small incision. The damaged part of the patella and trochlea will be removed to create room for the artificial component. The new component is fixed in place with the use of bone cement and the knee is taken through a range of movements.
Advantages of Partial Knee Resurfacing
Advantages of partial knee resurfacing include:
- Minimal incisions
- Minimal or no hospitalization
- Reduced blood loss
- Less scarring
- Quick recovery
- Less post-operative pain
Complications of Partial Knee Resurfacing
Although partial knee resurfacing is an effective method in repairing the damaged part of the knee, it is associated with certain complications such as infection, blood clot formation, damage to nerves and blood vessels, wear, dislocation and ligament injuries.
Please review these frequently asked questions about partial knee replacement:
Recent studies have shown that 92% (92 out of every 100 partial knees) will be functioning and not revised at 20 years following the procedure. This is comparable to or better than the results of total knee replacement.
Partial knee replacement is a conservative, minimally invasive procedure that can provide the same pain relief and improvement in quality of life as a total knee replacement, but without the same risks of complications around the time of surgery. Partial knee has less risk of infection, blood clot, and even death. Additionally, due to its conservative nature, partial knee does not burn any bridges in the rare situation where another procedure is required.
So far, during your lifetime, only one area of your knee has worn out. This is despite your activity and any injury or previous treatments you may have had. To think about it logically, if your knee is repaired with a partial knee, why would the rest of the knee suddenly wear out? It is very unlikely to do so. In fact, in a recent study more than 9 out of 10 partial knee implants were still functioning well at 20 years!
After your initial follow-up visits in the first 3-4 months, as with all joint replacement procedures, we would like for you to be evaluated by your surgeon at least once every three years going forward.
Pain can be normal for the first year or two following any knee replacement. Although partial knee replacement usually has less pain and the pain gets better more quickly than with a total knee replacement, there may still be pain. The surgeons and team at Bethesda Chevy Chase Surgery Center are concerned with your satisfaction and encourage you to follow up with your surgeon if you feel that you are experiencing more pain than you expected