Your knee joint has three compartments, namely the inner (medial) compartment, the outerIn a partial knee replacement only a portion of the knee is resurfaced where there is damage instead of resurfacing the entire knee and the surrounding healthy ligaments and cartilage are not touched. The knee has three compartments; the lateral compartment, the medial compartment, and the patellofemoral compartment. The damage to the cartilage must only be in one of these three compartments to be considered for a partial knee replacement.
(lateral) compartment, and the anterior (patellofemoral) compartment under the kneecap. Arthritis (wearing out of the cartilage) of the knee can affect any one of these areas, alone or in combination.
Overview of the procedure
- Overview of the procedure:
A 3-4 inch surgical incision is made in the front of the knee - The bone surface to be resurfaced is prepared by removing the damaged cartilage. Only the worn out cartilage is removed. All healthy tissue is not touched.
- The damaged cartilage that was removed is replaced with a metal implant to resurface that portion of the knee joint which is cemented in place
- A plastic spacer is inserted to create a smooth gliding surface in the joint
- The incision is closed up
- The patient is placed in recovery room
- The procedure will last approximately 1-2 hours.
Pre-treatment considerations
- The damaged cartilage must only be in one part of the knee
- The patient must have minimal deformity and good range of motion of the knee
- Must only be performed on patients with osteoarthritis (not rheumatoid arthritis)
Post-treatment considerations and recovery
- Most patients go home the same day or the next day
- Staples are removed 2 weeks after surgery
- Follow up appointments will be made 4-6 weeks after surgery and again 3 months after surgery
- The patient will be advised to use a cane to get around for the first 2-6 weeks and to slowly wean themselves off of it as the knee becomes stronger and more stable
- Physical therapy and pain medication is begun right after surgery
- Must stay on blood thinners for 4-6 weeks due to risk of blood clot.
- Return to normal activities at approximately 6 weeks
Pros and benefits
- The surrounding normal cartilage and ligaments that are healthy are not touched.
- Provides considerable pain relief in the damaged area
- Shorter hospital stay and lower risk of complications than a total knee replacement.
- Quicker recovery, less blood loss, and less post-operative pain than with a total knee replacement
Cons risks, and possible side effects
- Higher rate of needing further surgery than with a total knee replacement
- Risk of arthritis developing in another part of the knee
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Neurovascular issues
- Pain
- Issues with anesthesia
