Partial
Knee Replacement
It is
critical to
recognize
that
arthritis
affects each
individual
uniquely. A
subset of
patients
will have
isolated
knee
arthritis
rather than
more
extensive
changes. To
review, the
knee is
compromised
of three
major
compartments.
In some
forms of
arthritis,
only one of
these
compartments
is damaged
while the
other two
remain
healthy and
pain-free.
In such
patients,
partial knee
replacement
(also known
as
Unicompartmental
knee
replacement)
is an
appropriate
option.
Partial knee
replacement
targets
resurfacing
of only the
damaged area
while
preserving
healthier
portions of
native
cartilage
and
ligaments.
The best
candidates
for this
surgery are
those close
to their
ideal body
weight with
isolated
knee
arthritis,
minimal
deformity,
good motion,
and no
inflammatory
disease. The
best
candidates
are those
close to
their ideal
body weight
with
isolated
knee
arthritis,
localized
pain,
minimal
deformity,
good motion,
and without
an
associated
inflammatory
disease.
Studies in
these
patients
have found
that
unicompartmental
knee
replacement
offers
predictable
pain relief,
quick
recovery,
improved
motion and
may last as
long as
traditional
total knee
replacement.
Although UKA
was a
controversial
procedure
when it was
first
introduced
about 30
years ago,
current
success
rates have
improved
significantly
with precise
patient
selection,
refined
surgical
techniques
and improved
implant
design.
Partial knee
replacement
represents a
key part of
our
Minimally
Invasive
Surgery
program. It
provides
definitive
treatment of
painful knee
arthritis
while
significantly
easing the
recovery
process.
Through a
smaller
incision and
with much
less pain
and blood
loss,
partial knee
replacement
is ideal for
those who
need or want
to get back
on their
feet as
quickly and
efficiently
as possible.
The
operation
lasts about
an hour, and
our patients
our usually
home within
1 to 2 days.
Blood
transfusions
are rarely,
if ever,
necessary.
Our surgeons
are
specially
trained in
this
procedure,
and we proud
to be one of
only a few
centers in
Southern
California
offering
this
minimally
invasive
surgical
alternative.
Our
surgeons are
specially
trained in
this
procedure,
and we are
proud to be
one of only
a few
centers in
New York
State
offering
this
minimally
invasive
surgical
alternative.
To view a
partial knee
replacement
animated
surgery,
please go
to...partial
knee
replacement.
For more
information
on partial
knee
replacement,
go to...partial
knee
replacement.
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