Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon in San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA
Older people with osteoarthritis that is confined to a single compartment of the knee are candidates for unicompartmental knee replacement, in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. Joseph Mitchell, M.D. provides diagnosis and minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement in San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA. Joseph Mitchell, M.D. also provides the highest level of care during and after the surgery. Contact Joseph Mitchell, M.D.'s office for an appointment today!
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced. It is also called unicompartmental knee replacement.
The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the area in front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone, the medial compartment, on the inner aspect of the knee, and the lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.
Indications of Partial Knee Replacement
Both partial and total knee replacements are performed for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In total knee replacement, all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if your arthritis is confined to a single region of your knee.
Partial Knee Replacement Procedure
During surgery, a small incision is made over the knee to expose the underlying knee joint. An initial inspection is performed to ensure that only one region of the knee is damaged. Once this has been confirmed, a small section of bone is removed from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in the arthritic compartment. Metal and plastic components are then used to replace the original knee bone and tissue. These are most commonly fixed in place with bone cement.
Postoperative Care Following Partial Knee Replacement
Similar to total knee replacement, rehabilitation begins immediately following surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. You will initially require crutches or a walker for safety purposes. You can wean from these devices as soon as you (and your therapist) feel that it is safe to do so. Physical therapy is a crucial part of your recovery and will have both in home and in person components.
Risks and Complications Following Partial Knee Replacement
The possible risks and complications associated with partial knee replacement include:
- Knee stiffness
- Infection
- Blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis)
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Ligament injuries
- Wearing of the plastic liner
- Loosening of the implant
Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement
The advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement over total knee replacement include:
- Smaller incision
- Less blood loss
- Quicker recovery
- Less postoperative pain
- Better overall range of motion
- More natural feeling knee
If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of various knee conditions or would like to learn more about unicompartmental/partial knee replacement, please contact Joseph Mitchell, M.D., serving the communities of San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA.