Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

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“What a refreshing change from some of the other doctors I saw for my knees! The entire staff were top notch! No long wait to see the doctor, which is unheard of around here. He was personable, friendly and professional. He provided me an option for my pain which really helped me. He was honest and to the point. So glad I went to him! Highly recommend him!” — Karen H.

If knee pain is disrupting your daily life but only one part of your knee is affected, partial knee replacement surgery may offer the relief you need. This minimally invasive procedure targets the damaged area, preserving healthy tissue and promoting a quicker recovery.

At JIS Orthopedics, with locations in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, our experienced orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced knee procedures. Schedule a consultation today to explore whether partial knee replacement is right for you.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement, also known as a unicondylar knee replacement, involves replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint. This may involve replacing either the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (kneecap) compartment. This type of procedure helps preserve the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. This procedure is a type of knee arthroplasty designed to alleviate pain and restore function in patients with localized knee arthritis.

Unlike a total knee replacement, which involves resurfacing all three compartments of the knee, a partial knee replacement focuses solely on the affected area, resulting in a more natural-feeling knee and often a quicker recovery.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Partial knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe knee pain due to arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee. Your doctor may suggest knee joint replacement if you have the following:

Persistent knee pain that interferes with daily activities
Limited mobility and stiffness in the knee joint
Knee pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as medications or physical therapy
Good range of motion and stable ligaments in the knee

For more information on knee conditions and treatments, visit our knee specialties page.

Partial knee replacements are generally not recommended for the following conditions:

Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Significant stiffness in your knees
If your ligaments are damaged
If you have significant deformity associated with your arthritis

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, partial knee replacement carries certain risks, including:

Infection
Blood clots
Nerve or blood vessel damage
Implant loosening or failure over time
Continued knee pain or stiffness
You may need to have your partial knee joint replaced or converted to a total knee replacement if arthritis progresses

Discussing these risks with your orthopedic surgeon is crucial to making an informed decision about your treatment options.

What Happens Before the Procedure?

Prior to surgery, your provider will evaluate your knee to see if partial knee replacement is right for you. This will include a physical examination to evaluate your knee pain and the function of your knee. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to assess the extent of knee damage. Your surgeon will review your medical history and discuss anesthesia options.

Preoperative instructions may include:

Discontinuing certain medications that affect blood clotting
Fasting for a specified period before surgery
Arranging for assistance during the initial recovery period
Engaging in preoperative physical therapy to strengthen the knee joint

What Happens During a Partial Knee Replacement?

The surgery typically lasts between one to two hours and involves the following steps:

Administration of anesthesia (general or regional)
A small incision is made over the knee to access the joint
The surgeon examines the knee compartments to confirm the damage is limited to one area
Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the affected compartment
An artificial implant made of metal and plastic is secured in place
The incision is closed with sutures

If, during surgery, more extensive damage is discovered, a total knee replacement may be performed instead. This will only be done if it was previously agreed upon during your discussion with your surgeon.

What Happens After Surgery?

After surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery area before being discharged, often on the same day. Pain management, physical therapy, and instructions for home care will be provided to facilitate recovery.

Physical therapy typically begins shortly after surgery to restore mobility and strength in the knee joint. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and implant function.

What Are the Benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement offers several advantages over total knee arthroplasty, including:

Preservation of healthy bone and ligaments, leading to a more natural knee movement
Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption
Reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery
Lower risk of complications such as infection and blood clots

These benefits make partial knee replacement an attractive option for eligible patients seeking relief from localized knee arthritis.

Recovery from a Partial Knee Replacement

Weight-bearing is encouraged immediately following surgery. You may need to use a cane or walker for the first few days until you feel comfortable.

Recovery times vary, but many patients resume normal activities within six weeks. For the best outcome, you must keep up with the prescribed physical therapy and rehabilitation protocols.

During recovery from knee surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which typically diminish over time. Regular follow-up visits will ensure the knee is healing properly and the implant is functioning as intended.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering partial knee replacement surgery, the expert team at JIS Orthopedics is here to guide you through every step of the process. With state-of-the-art facilities in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, we are committed to providing personalized care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander G. Athey

Sources

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/unicompartmental-knee-replacement/

Treat Your Knee Pain Today

Arthritis of the knee can be very painful and debilitating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can often be managed successfully. If you suspect knee joint arthritis, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today! We have offices located in New Albany and St. Clairsville.