Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

What is Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced arthritis in one part of the knee joint. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, partial knee replacement focuses on replacing only the damaged portion of the knee.

Partial knee replacement offers several potential advantages over total knee replacement, including a smaller incision, less bone and tissue trauma, faster recovery time, and a more natural knee feeling. However, it is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for partial knee replacement. Factors such as the extent of knee damage, the presence of arthritis in multiple compartments of the knee, and overall knee stability will be considered when determining the most appropriate treatment option.

If you are considering partial knee replacement, it is crucial to consult with best orthopaedic surgeon who can evaluate your specific condition and guide you through the decision-making process.

Who is ideal candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?

While the final decision is made by an orthopaedic surgeon based on individual circumstances, the following factors are generally considered when determining if someone is a suitable for Partial Knee Replacement

Isolated Knee Arthritis: Partial knee replacement is most appropriate when arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee joint. The other parts of the knee, including the remaining cartilage and ligaments, should be relatively healthy. If arthritis is present in multiple compartments, total knee replacement may be a more suitable option.

Pain and Functional Limitations: The candidate should experience significant knee pain and functional limitations that affect their quality of life. This pain and limitation should primarily be localized to the affected compartment of the knee joint.

Failed Preservation Treatments: Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle modifications should have been attempted but failed to provide adequate relief. Partial knee replacement is typically considered after conservative measures have been exhausted.

Good Overall Health: The candidate should be in good general health to undergo surgery and tolerate anaesthesia. Factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and the absence of other significant medical conditions like heart disease or uncontrolled diabetes are considered.

Joint Stability: The knee joint should be relatively stable and free from significant ligament damage. Stability is crucial for the long-term success of a partial knee replacement.

Realistic Expectations: The candidate should have realistic expectations regarding the potential benefits and limitations of partial knee replacement. They should understand that the procedure aims to alleviate knee pain and improve function but may not completely restore the knee to its pre-arthritic state.

Partial Knee Replacement Procedure?

Evaluation: Before recommending partial knee replacement, a thorough evaluation is done by top orthopaedic surgeon. This may involve physical examinations, medical history review, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI), and assessing the patient's level of pain and functional limitations.

Anaesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be unconscious during the surgery. Alternatively, spinal or epidural anaesthesia may be used, where you'll be awake but numb from the waist down.

Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision over the affected part of the knee. This incision is typically smaller than the one used in total knee replacement.

Bone preparation: The damaged bone and cartilage from the affected compartment of the knee joint are removed. The surgeon reshapes the remaining bone to prepare it for the artificial implant.

Implant placement: The surgeon attaches metal and plastic components to the prepared bone surfaces. These components act as a new joint surface, replacing the damaged cartilage. The metal and plastic components may be cemented or press-fit into place, depending on the surgical technique used.

Closure: Once the implant is in place, the incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Partial Knee Replacement Recovery: After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours. Physical therapy and rehabilitation will be an essential part of your recovery process. You may need to use crutches or a walker initially and gradually progress to walking with the help of a cane. The duration of recovery varies from person to person, but most individuals can resume their normal activities within a few months.

Schedule appointment with our best knee replacement surgeon in India Dr Sivaiah Potla and say good bye to your knee pain and walk with happy knees.

Understand the Comparisons of Partial Knee Replacement Vs. Total Knee Replacement

Here's a comparison table highlighting the key differences between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement:

It's important to note that the suitability of the procedure depends on individual circumstances, and the decision between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement is made after a thorough evaluation by best orthopaedic surgeon. They will consider factors such as the extent of arthritis, knee stability, patient's overall health, and the expected outcome to determine the most appropriate treatment option.