Am I the candidate for Partial (Unicondylar) Knee Replacement Surgery?

What Is Partial Knee Replacements Surgery?

People often are referring to Total knee arthroplasty surgery as simply knee replacement surgery. This is because in nearly all cases, knee replacement means that a complete knee joint has been replaced.

However, partial knee replacements do exist. Partial knee replacements are used in cases where only one area of a person's joint requires replacing due to damage or osteoarthritis.

When partial replacement is required, there are several surgical procedures used to determine which method will work best for an individual patient.

The final decision on which type of procedure will be performed is made by the surgeon and considering what will give you an improved quality of life while being easier on your pocketbook when it comes time for recovery and physical therapy rehabilitation efforts.

What Happens After Partial Knee Replacements Surgery?

Partial knee replacement surgery is usually a less complex procedure than total knee replacement. Recovery after partial knee replacement is quicker than total knee replacement, so the patient can achieve full mobility early.

You may need to use crutches or a walker for up to two to three weeks after surgery. In most cases, you can expect a full recovery within three months.

During your recovery period, you must engage in physical therapy so you can regain your strength and range of motion as soon as possible.

When Can I Go Home After My Partial Knee Replacements Surgery?

As soon as you’re able to walk on your own, you can head home. Typically, after knee replacement surgery patients can go home within a few days.

Once home, you may want to stay in bed for several days as walking with just one joint (your partial knee replacement) can be quite painful and strenuous.

However, you will likely have physical therapy sessions to complete at your house to help improve your range of motion and strength over time.

Who gets the benefit of Partial knee replacement surgery?

Young patients with only one joint compartment affected by arthritis but with intact ligaments are ideal candidates for a single condyle knee. The patient must have an adequate range of motion for the knee.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and obesity are not suitable for this surgery.

Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is not performed on patients who have to put a lot of stress on their joints, such as workers and players.

Advantages of partial knee replacement over total knee replacement

X-Ray of partial knee replacement (left) and total knee replacement (right)

Partial knee arthroplasty is the preferred option because it has smaller scars, faster recovery, and a wider range of motion than total knee arthroplasty.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from My Partial Knee Replacements Surgery?

Recovery from partial knee arthroplasty is generally much shorter than total knee arthroplasty.

A small incision, short procedure, minimal blood loss, and less pain ensure a quick recovery from the Uni-knee.

As long as everything goes well, you can recover within 7 days of surgery and return to light activity in about 4 weeks.

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