Unicondyler Knee Replacement
Unicondyler Knee Replacement Surgery
Unicondylar knee arthroplasty, also known as partial or unicompartmental knee replacement, is a less invasive alternative to a total knee arthroplasty. Partial knee arthroplasty is designed to replace only the portion of the knee that has been damaged by arthritis, leaving the healthier areas intact. Partial knee replacement allows patients to benefit from less scarring, shorter recovery time and a fuller range of motion.
Candidates for a Unicondylar Arthroplasty
Most candidates for this procedure are over the age of 55. However, younger patients can also have this surgery if their knee damage makes it difficult for them to move. Good candidates who do not have rheumatoid arthritis. Their arthritis should be in only one specific area of the knee. Their knee ligaments should also be in good condition.
To decide if unicondylar knee arthroplasty is the best treatment, the doctor performs a physical examination. This helps to find out exactly which area of the knee is causing pain.
Imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans will also be done. These tests help to find the exact location of cartilage damage and how severe it is.
The Unicondylar Arthroplasty Procedure
Unicondylar knee arthroplasty can be done using either general or spinal anesthesia. The surgery usually takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete.
The surgeon makes a cut at the front of the knee near the affected area. This cut helps the surgeon examine the knee structures to check if the nearby ligaments are healthy and if the damage is limited to one area. If arthritis is found in multiple parts of the knee, then a total knee arthroplasty may be needed instead of a partial knee replacement.
If the damage is only in one region, the unicondylar replacement will continue. The surgeon removes small pieces of cartilage and bone from the affected parts of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (the larger lower leg bone). These removed bone sections are replaced with metal prosthetics, which are fixed in place using cement. A plastic insert is placed between the metal implants to ensure smooth and fluid movement of the joint after surgery.
Recovery from a Unicondylar Arthroplasty
Recovery from a partial knee replacement is usually shorter and more comfortable than recovery from a total knee arthroplasty. Unicondylar knee replacement is a less invasive surgery and is done through a smaller cut. However, even a partial knee replacement usually requires a hospital stay of 1 to 3 days.
Most patients need to use crutches or a walker for the first one or two weeks after surgery. This helps to avoid putting too much pressure on the knee while it heals. Physical therapy is very important because it helps the knee regain strength and flexibility.
After a partial knee replacement, many patients fully recover within 6 weeks. They can return to their normal activities, including low-impact sports.
Risks of a Unicondylar Arthroplasty
Partial knee arthroplasty is considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it has some risks. The risks of unicondylar knee replacement include infection, blood clots, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and ongoing knee pain.
However, since unicondylar knee replacement is a shorter and less invasive surgery than total knee arthroplasty, the chances of complications are generally lower.
Popular Services
- Joint Preservation Surgery
- High Tibial Osteotomy
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Hip Replacement Surgery
- Total Hip Replacement
- AVN Hip Treatment
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Revision Surgeries
- Ligament & Sports Injuries (Arthroscopic Surgeries)
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Hip Arthroscopy
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