What is a partial knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement replaces part of your knee with a new plastic and metal surface. There are three different compartments in your knee joint, including:
- Inner (medial) compartment
- Outer (lateral) compartment
- Anterior (patellofemoral) compartment
A partial knee replacement treats just one of these compartments. In this surgery, Dr. Weber removes diseased cartilage from the affected knee compartment, and then implants a new joint surface molded to your unique bone shape. He realigns the nearby tissue and ensures that your joint can move normally before closing your incisions.
This surgery allows you to retain the maximum amount of natural bone and soft tissues while still restoring your function. A partial knee replacement can stop your pain and may help you avoid or at least delay total knee replacement surgery.
When would I need a partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement can be a good alternative for the small group of arthritis sufferers who have damage limited to one section of their knee. You need healthy surrounding cartilage and ligaments to have a partial knee replacement.
Most candidates for partial knee replacement have pain in just the area with arthritis damage, and don't have serious joint deformity. Generally, with partial knee replacement candidates, pain is the central issue, as most still have a healthy range of motion.
In general, partial knee replacement is usually best suited for arthritis sufferers who used conservative treatments and made changes like losing extra weight but still have persistent pain.
What is partial knee replacement recovery like?
Dr. Weber performs minimally invasive partial knee replacement surgery as an outpatient procedure whenever possible, allowing you to go home the same day. With minimally invasive surgery, you'll have a relatively small incision.
Dr. Weber prescribes multimodal pain control — very specific combinations of two or more medications that can ease your pain and make your recovery as easy as possible.
Physical therapy helps you gain strength and function as you recover. Most can walk without assistive devices within 3-4 weeks, but every recovery is unique.
Partial knee replacement could be the best way to get back to an active life. Find out more about this surgery by requesting a consultation online or calling the office of Ian C. Weber, MD, now.
