Contents:
- Medical Video: ORLive Express: Partial Knee Replacement
- What is partial knee replacement?
- When do I need to undergo partial knee replacement?
- What do I need to know before undergoing partial knee replacement?
- Are there other alternatives to partial knee replacement?
- What should I do before undergoing partial knee replacement?
- What is the process of partial knee replacement?
- What should I do after undergoing partial knee replacement?
Complications
What complications can occur?
Medical Video: ORLive Express: Partial Knee Replacement
Definition
What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement, commonly called unicompartmental knee replacement or arthroplasty, is surgery to remove a damaged compartment on the knee and replace it with an alternative metal or plastic. Cartilage and healthy bones will usually be left alone.
The main cause of this operation is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes damage to one or several joints. Arthritis will erode the cartilage that protects the joint surface, causing damage to the underlying bone. This causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
The advantage of partial knee replacement is improving the quality of life by reducing pain and helping you walk more easily.
When do I need to undergo partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is one option for a minority of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Prevention & warning
What do I need to know before undergoing partial knee replacement?
The disadvantage of partial knee replacement compared to total knee replacement is that the pain reliever is less predictable, and there is the potential for other surgery to be needed. For example, total knee replacement can be needed in the future if arthritis occurs in the part of the knee that is not replaced.
Surgery can be considered if your knee significantly affects the quality of your life and disrupts your daily activities.
Partial knee replacement can decrease function over time.
Are there other alternatives to partial knee replacement?
Painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can control pain. Food supplements can also relieve symptoms. Consult a doctor before taking supplements.
Using a walking stick or height enhancer on your shoes can also help you walk.
Mild exercise can reduce stiffness in your knees.
Steroid injections in the hip joint can reduce pain and stiffness.
Tibia osteotomy surgery can change the shape of the foot and lift the weight of certain parts of the knee.
The things above can be less effective if your arthritis condition worsens.
Process
What should I do before undergoing partial knee replacement?
You might stay at the hospital on the day of surgery.
Before the surgical procedure, the anesthesiologist will analyze your medical history and discuss anesthetic options with you. Some anesthesia options are general anesthesia or general anesthesia (unconscious) or spinal (conscious but the body is numb at the waist down).
Before surgery, the surgeon will mark your knee to verify the operation. You will be given instructions before surgery, such as whether you are allowed to eat before surgery.
What is the process of partial knee replacement?
There are several choices of anesthesia techniques. Surgery usually lasts 1 hour to 90 minutes.
Your surgeon will make an incision on the front of the knee and lift the surface of the damaged joint to be replaced with an artificial knee, metal, plastic or ceramic joint, or a combination of these materials.
Your knee replacement is placed on the bone using acrylic cement or a special layer attached to the bone.
What should I do after undergoing partial knee replacement?
You are allowed to go home after 1 to 4 days.
You will need a crutch or walking stick for several weeks.
Exercising can help you return to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first.
In general, the patient will recover well, the pain will diminish and can move more easily. The artificial knee will feel different from the original knee.
Complications
What complications can occur?
Like other procedures, there are several possible risks. Ask the surgeon to explain the risks to you. Your surgeon will explain each risk and take special measurements to avoid potential complications.
Although rare, common risks include:
- blood clotting
- infection
- injury to nerves or blood vessels
- continuous pain
- risk of anesthesia
In partial replacement surgery, there are a number of specific complications, such as:
- nerve damage
- damage to blood vessels
- bearing dislocation
- relaxation
- pain, stiffness and loss of knee function (complex regional pain syndrome)
You can minimize the risk of complications by following instructions from a doctor before surgery, such as fasting and stopping taking certain drugs.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
