Unicompartmental / Partial knee replacement - conventional

Unicompartmental or Partial Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving healthy bone and cartilage. It’s typically performed on patients with osteoarthritis that is limited to one compartment of the knee (either the inner, outer, or kneecap area). Unlike total knee replacement, this procedure focuses on partial knee joint replacement, offering a less invasive option with faster recovery.

Key Points:
- **Procedure**: During unicompartmental knee replacement, the surgeon removes only the damaged cartilage and bone from the affected compartment of the knee, leaving the rest of the knee intact. A prosthetic implant made of metal and plastic is then placed to replicate the function of a natural joint. The surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
  
- **Indications**: This procedure is ideal for patients with osteoarthritis confined to one part of the knee (commonly the medial or lateral compartment). Patients should have healthy ligaments and good knee range of motion. It’s often recommended for those who want to remain active but are not ready for total knee replacement.

- **Benefits**:
  - **Less Invasive**: Because only a part of the knee is replaced, the surgery involves smaller incisions, less bone removal, and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
  - **Faster Recovery**: Recovery is quicker compared to total knee replacement. Many patients can walk with minimal assistance within days and resume normal activities, including low-impact sports, within a few months.
  - **Natural Feel**: By preserving much of the knee’s natural structure and ligaments, partial knee replacement tends to feel more like a natural knee compared to a total replacement.
  - **Lower Complication Risk**: Reduced risk of blood loss, infection, and stiffness due to the smaller surgical area.

- **Recovery**: Patients typically experience a shorter hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation than with total knee replacement. Physical therapy is essential to regain strength and improve knee function. Most patients are able to walk without assistance within weeks and resume daily activities within 6-12 weeks.

- **Outcomes**: Unicompartmental knee replacement can provide significant pain relief and improve joint function for many years. It allows patients to maintain a more active lifestyle compared to conservative treatments or total knee replacement. However, over time, osteoarthritis may progress in other parts of the knee, potentially leading to the need for further surgery.

- **Risks**: As with any surgery, risks include infection, blood clots, and the potential for implant wear or loosening over time. There is also the possibility that arthritis may develop in other compartments of the knee, requiring future surgery.

Unicompartmental knee replacement is an effective treatment for patients with localized knee arthritis, offering less invasive surgery, faster recovery, and natural joint function while preserving much of the knee’s healthy tissue. It’s a great option for patients looking to maintain an active lifestyle.

 

Dr. Darshan Angadi, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director, will support you throughout every stage of your treatment and recovery after partial knee replacement, ensuring the best possible outcome.