A partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace only the damaged part of a knee joint. Your knee is divided into three major compartments:
- Medial compartment: The inside part of your knee.
- Lateral compartment: The outside part of your knee.
- Patellofemoral compartment: The front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone.
When arthritis affects only one of these compartments, a partial knee replacement can be a great option. Instead of replacing the entire knee joint (a total knee replacement), your orthopedic surgeon only replaces the damaged portion, preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments.
Why is a Partial Knee Replacement Performed?
The primary reason for a partial knee replacement is to relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis when it’s confined to a single compartment of your knee. This procedure is recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections, are no longer effective.
A partial knee replacement may be right for you if:
- Your pain is primarily on one side of your knee or under the kneecap.
- You have difficulty with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs.
- You experience knee pain that keeps you awake at night.
Compared to a total knee replacement, a partial knee replacement is a less invasive surgery with several advantages, including:
- Quicker recovery: Because the surgery is less extensive, patients often experience a faster and less painful recovery.
- Shorter hospital stay: Many patients can go home the same day or the day after surgery.
- More natural feel: By preserving the healthy parts of your knee, a partial knee replacement often feels more like a natural knee.
- Greater range of motion: Patients who have a partial knee replacement often have a better range of motion than those who have a total knee replacement.
What to Expect: The Partial Knee Replacement Journey
Undergoing surgery can be a significant decision. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel informed and confident in your care.
Before the Procedure
Your journey to a new knee begins with a thorough evaluation by one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons. This will include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to assess the extent of the damage to your knee.
If a partial knee replacement is the right choice for you, we’ll work with you to prepare for a successful surgery. This may involve:
- Pre-operative physical therapy: Learning exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee can help with your recovery.
- Medication management: You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery.
- Home preparation: We’ll provide guidance on how to set up your home for a safe and comfortable recovery.
During the Procedure
A partial knee replacement surgery typically takes about one to two hours. Here’s a general overview of what happens:
- Anesthesia: You will be given either general anesthesia (you’ll be asleep) or a spinal block with a sedative (you’ll be awake but numb from the waist down).
- Incision: Your surgeon will make a small incision on the front of your knee to access the joint.
- Removing the damaged tissue: The damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone from the affected compartment are removed.
- Placing the implants: Metal implants are fitted to the ends of the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) to resurface the joint.
- Inserting the spacer: A plastic spacer is placed between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.
- Closing the incision: The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
After the Procedure
Your recovery begins as soon as you wake up from surgery. Here’s what you can expect in the days, weeks, and months following your partial knee replacement:
- In the hospital: You’ll be encouraged to get up and move around soon after surgery, with the help of a physical therapist. Most patients can go home the same day or the next day.
- At home: You’ll need to use a walker or crutches for a short time. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, pain management, and activity.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial part of your recovery. You’ll work with a physical therapist to regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Returning to activities: Most people can return to their normal daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks. You can expect to be back to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and golfing within a few months.
Is a Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?
While a partial knee replacement can be a life-changing procedure for many people, it’s not the right choice for everyone. The ideal candidate for a partial knee replacement is someone who has:
- Osteoarthritis in only one compartment of the knee.
- Intact ligaments, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
- Good range of motion in their knee.
- Not had a significant knee deformity.
The decision to have a partial knee replacement is a personal one that you should make in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we’ll take the time to understand your individual needs and goals to help you make the best decision for your health.
If you’re living with knee pain, don’t wait to seek help. Contact California Pacific Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with one of our knee specialists. We’re here to help you get back to living a pain-free, active life in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.
