What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a substitute method of total knee replacement for some people with osteoarthritis of the knee. This procedure can be performed when the damage is limited to a specific cavity of the knee. In partial knee replacement surgery, just the affected cartilage of the knee joint is replaced with an implant.
Partial knee replacement surgery was once restricted for older patients who were less active. Today, partial knee replacement surgery is more commonly performed in young people because of their faster recovery
and often less pain. It is estimated that about 5% to 6% of people with knee arthritis can go ahead with partial knee replacement surgery.
Who can opt for partial knee replacement?
• You may contemplate a partial knee replacement if your knee pain continues despite taking anti-inflammatory medications and upholding a healthy body weight.
A knee X-ray will determine if you are eligible for partial knee replacement surgery. However, your surgeon may not be sure if you are a good candidate until the surgery begins.
• One must have an unbroken anterior cruciate ligament, adequate knee mobility, single compartment injury, and knee stability. The angle of the deformation is also taken into account.
• Previously, partial knee replacement surgery was only considered in sedentary people aged 60 years and older. Now, younger and more active people are getting more and more attention.
What are the advantages?
Compared with total knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacement surgery preserves better knee range of motion and function because it preserves
healthy tissue and bone in the knee. For these reasons, patients tend to be
satisfied with a partial knee replacement rather than a total knee replacement. They are still candidates for total
knee replacement surgery if they need it in the future.
There is also less blood loss during surgery and faster recovery of knee motion with partial knee replacement surgery.
How do you recover?
You can start moving your knee on the day of surgery. Your knee will return to function quickly and with less pain than with total knee replacement surgery. You will work with a physiotherapist to move your knee during your hospital stay and for two to four weeks after discharge. You are usually discharged no later than a day or two after surgery.
You will need medicine to prevent blood clots from forming during your hospital stay and possibly for some time after you leave the hospital.
If all goes well, you should be back to full activity in about six to eight weeks.
Book your appointment with Dr Debashish Chanda at Saqsham Ortho in Gurgaon today.
