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Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement Surgery


Understanding Osteoarthritis and Unicompartmental
(Partial) Knee Replacement
Joint deterioration can affect every aspect of a person's life. In its early stages it is common for people to ignore the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but as the disease progresses, activities like walking, driving, and standing become challenging, painful, and very difficult.

This guide will help you understand basic knee anatomy, arthritis, and unicompartmental knee replacement surgery. Any questions or concerns you may have should be directed to your orthopedic surgeon.


The Knee
The knee is a complex joint consisting of bones and healthy cartilage. The end of your femur (thighbone) can be compared to a rocking chair. It has two distinct surfaces called compartments, which rest on the tibia (shinbone). A third compartment is found behind the patella (kneecap), and all three compartments are covered with cartilage to help cushion and lubricate the bones during movement.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear and tear condition that affects joint cartilage, and it develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend total knee replacement.

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement surgery can be an extremely successful surgical procedure. The first unicompartmental knee replacement procedure was performed more than 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of people have received unicompartmental knee replacements.

Unicompartmental knee replacement surgery is a fairly routine procedure with more than 30,000 being performed every year in the United States alone. The word replacement makes one think that surgeons remove the entire knee. In truth, your surgeon only resurfaces damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of the bones in your joint.

The traditional approach to total knee replacement uses implants to resurface all three compartments on the knee. However, total knee replacement may not be necessary for every patient.

Unicompartmental knee replacement can be performed through a shorter incision, sometimes half the length of a typical knee replacement incision. Surgeons can perform surgery through a short incision because they use instruments specifically designed to move around soft tissue.

The benefits of unicompartmental knee replacement may include a less invasive surgery and a smaller incision.

The procedure also removes less tissue from both the tibia and femur than a total knee, because only the damaged bone and cartilage are removed. Since the implant saves more tissue, a future total knee replacement can be more easily performed, if it is necessary.

Patients are sometimes required to donate blood before the total knee replacement. With the unicompartmental technique, blood transfusions are generally not needed. Most patients walk on their surgical leg the same day as surgery and can possibly be discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Some patients may need to use a walker or a cane for the first week after surgery.

In addition to a shorter incision, surgeons at Joint University (JU) have implemented a highly organized treatment plan for their patients' physical and mental health. JU patients are educated with a variety of materials. The comprehensive educational materials will help patients understand the surgical procedure and its outcomes.

JU patients may begin strengthening exercises before surgery to help them prepare for surgery and their recovery. Patients may also be given a comprehensive nutrition plan to help ensure optimum health before surgery.

JU surgeons may also implement a unique pain management program during surgery that is designed to dramatically reduce a patient's pain after surgery. Reducing post-surgery pain is critical to rehabilitation and to making a Rapid Recovery.


Complications
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients will experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as the patient's post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. It is important to know that a unicompartmental knee replacement may not last as long as a total knee replacement.

However, the procedure can allow you to return to certain activities more quickly and with much less pain. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up to date and may also be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.


Rapid Recovery
Every person's recovery time will vary, but most people find themselves able to become active a few short weeks after surgery. Many activities are encouraged, including walking, golf, bike riding, and swimming. Most patients are typically not allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme amounts of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Ask your surgeon which activities you should avoid after surgery.


Summary
We realize that the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. Millions of others have made this choice, allowing them to return to more active lifestyles. This guide is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.



Patient Education information provided by Biomet, Inc. - Advanced Science for Real Living™