Everything You Need to Know About Partial Knee Replacement

Procedure Details

How to Prepare for a Partial Knee Replacement

Your surgeon will guide you on how to prepare for surgery. Typically, you’ll need to:

• Undergo a physical exam to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure.
• Have blood tests.
• Get an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart.
• Take imaging tests, usually a knee X-ray, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan.

What Happens During the Replacement Surgery?

On the day of unicompartmental knee replacement surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia to prevent pain. An anesthesiologist will give you either general anesthesia to put you to sleep or regional anesthesia to numb you from the waist down.

During the surgery, your surgeon will:

• Remove the damaged cartilage and bone in the sections being replaced.
• Insert the artificial pieces.
• Place a plastic spacer to replicate the smooth cushion of your original cartilage.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement

For patients eligible for Partial RTK, there are several key advantages compared to total knee replacement:

• Preserves Most of Your Knee Joint: 75% of your knee joint remains untouched.
• Day Care Knee Replacement: It’s often an outpatient procedure.
• Shorter Procedure: Takes less time compared to total knee replacement.
• Less Blood Loss: Due to the smaller surgery.
• Reduced Pain: Because the surgery is less invasive.
• Faster Recovery: Takes about half the time of total knee replacement.
• Quick Return to Daily Activities: Activities like tennis or golf can be resumed sooner.
• Quicker Return to Work: Desk job workers can often return in two weeks.

Disadvantages of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

There are risks associated with partial knee replacement, which your surgeon will explain:

• Limited Use: Only suitable for patients with damage in one part of the knee.
• Possible Future Surgery: If arthritis spreads, a total knee replacement might be needed later.
• Shorter Lifespan: The artificial parts may not last as long as those in a total knee replacement.
• Incomplete Pain Relief: Might not fully relieve pain if other knee areas are also affected.
• Technical Challenge: Requires precision to fit the prosthetic correctly.
• Possible Risks: Includes risks like infection, blood clots, and injury to nerves or blood vessels.
  • Blood Clots: Can form in the veins of the legs or pelvis after surgery. Blood thinners may be prescribed.
  • Infection: Can occur at the wound site or deeper. You will receive antibiotics before and for about 24 hours after the surgery to prevent infection.
  • Injury to Nerves or Blood Vessels: Rare but possible during the procedure.
  • Continued Pain
  • Risks of Anesthesia
  • Need for Additional Surgery

Contraindications of Partial RTK

Partial RTK is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Mental or Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions that impair the ability to comply with post-operative care and rehabilitation.
• Inflammatory Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that affect the entire joint.
• Ligament Damage: A history of ligament tears, especially of the ACL, is typically a contraindication.
• Significant Knee Stiffness: Limited range of motion or significant stiffness in the knee.
• Severe Instability: If the knee is too unstable.
• Excessive Weight: High body weight can increase the risk of implant failure and complications.
• Infections: Active or recent infections in the knee or elsewhere in the body.

Pain Management After Microplasty

Microplasty refers to a minimally invasive technique for performing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), also known as partial knee replacement.

Your Recovery Plan

Your surgeon will create a personalized recovery plan. General guidelines include:

• Ice Your Knee: Apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevate Your Knee: Keep your knee raised above your heart whenever possible.
• Care for Your Incision: Follow instructions for cleaning and dressing your incision.
• Home Exercises: Start exercises recommended by your surgeon to strengthen your knee muscles and prevent stiffness.
• Physical Therapy: Work with a physical therapist for several weeks.
• Limit Weight on Your Knee: Use crutches or a walker to avoid putting too much pressure on it.
• Eat Healthy Foods: To help your body heal. Avoid smoking as it can slow down healing. Stay hydrated and rest well.
• Avoid High-Impact Activities: Like running or jumping to protect the new implant.

Recovery Time

Recovery time varies, but it generally takes a few weeks to return to regular activities. Factors influencing recovery include:

• Your activity level before surgery.
• Your age.
• Any other health conditions you have.

A Message from Dr. Preetesh Choudhary

Dealing with knee pain and stiffness can be bothersome and upsetting. If you’ve been struggling with these issues for a long time and other treatments haven’t helped much, a partial knee replacement might be the solution to help you move around more comfortably. Discuss with us to figure out the best treatment for you, what to expect, and when surgery might be a good option. We will guide you through preparing for surgery and ensure you recover as quickly and safely as possible.