Are there different types of partial knee replacements?

What are the types of partial knee replacement? There are two basic types of unicompartmental knee replacement. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty (more common), in which one side – the medial (inner side) or lateral (outer side) – of the knee joint surfaces are replaced.

How long does it take to fully recover from a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement recovery time is typically six to eight weeks. Then you can resume all your normal activities as cleared by your surgeon. Physical therapy for several months will help you continue improving your range of motion.

What is the difference between partial and full knee replacement?

In a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the entire joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. In a partial knee replacement, either the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) compartments of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts.

Do they put you to sleep for a partial knee replacement?

At HSS, patients undergoing partial knee replacement surgery are usually given regional anesthesia, which numbs the lower half of the body and allows the patient to remain awake during the procedure.

How bad is a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement can have good results for some people. However, the unreplaced part of the knee can still degenerate and you may need a full knee replacement down the road. Partial inside or outside replacement has good outcomes for up to 10 years after surgery.

How many hours is a partial knee replacement surgery?

If the partial knee replacement is selected, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Afterwards, you’ll go to the recovery room for about an hour. Following recovery time, you will return to the orthopedic floor and immediately begin physical therapy.

Who is a good candidate for partial knee replacement?

You may be a good candidate for this procedure if your arthritis affects only one part of your knee, rather than your entire knee. Importantly, partial knee replacement requires intact and competent knee ligaments (i.e., the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL), and the knee must not be significantly bowed or knock-kneed.

How long does partial knee surgery take?

Is partial knee replacement considered major surgery?

The surgery has a great track record for relieving pain and improving function. But it’s a major operation with a relatively long rehabilitation period. Some people with advanced knee osteoarthritis can get similar results with a faster recovery and other benefits by getting a partial knee replacement.

What are the pros and cons of partial knee replacement?

Pros and Cons of a Partial Knee Replacement

• Preserving healthy bone and tissue in the knee.
• Faster recovery time than a total knee replacement, with the majority of patients able to resume day-to-day activities three to six weeks after surgery.
• Less blood loss during surgery, which can reduce the risk of complications.

What does it mean to have partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement surgery is where an orthopedic surgeon replaces one side of the knee joint, usually due to damage caused by arthritis . Most commonly, it is the inner side of the knee that needs replacing. It is also known as a unilateral knee replacement or uni knee.

What is the difference between unicompartmental and total knee replacement?

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement. In unicompartmental knee replacement (also called “partial” knee replacement) only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. This procedure is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients whose disease is limited to just one area of the knee.

Are there any alternatives to total knee replacement?

This article reviews the benefits, risks, and alternatives to total knee replacement surgery (which is sometimes called total knee arthroplasty). Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that decreases pain and improves the quality of life in many patients with severe arthritis of the knees.

Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?

In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee cartilage is replaced with a prosthesis. Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement? Patients with medial, or lateral, knee osteoarthritis can be considered for partial knee replacement.