Partial knee replacement, also referred to as unicompartmental knee arthroscopy, is a surgical treatment approach that entails replacing the damaged portion of the knee with a prosthesis. The procedure fixes one of the three compartments of the knee— lateral (external part), medial (internal part), or patellofemoral (the interface between the knee and the thighbone)— hence the term “unicompartmental.”
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery, and thus, it involves less postoperative pain, a lower risk of complications, and a quicker recovery. It also perfectly preserves the healthy ligaments and cartilage around the damaged area.
If you’re suffering from knee arthritis that is unresponsive to a lengthy course of conservative interventions and wondering if a partial knee replacement is finally the solution that you’re looking for, read on to find out whether it is right for you.
Are You a Candidate for a Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
Renowned Harvard Medical School orthopedic experts Dr. Richard Scott and Dr. Stuart Kozinn developed the criteria for determining a patient’s eligibility for a partial knee replacement. According to them, the patient is likely qualified for a partial knee replacement if:
- They are older than 60 years of age.
- They weigh not more than 180 lbs.
- They have a sedentary lifestyle.
- They have a good range of motion prior to their procedure.
- They have minimal knee deformity.
To ascertain that you fit all of the criteria mentioned above, your orthopedic surgeon must first run a comprehensive evaluation, which likely includes the following:
- A review of your medical history, overall health, and lifestyle
- A physical exam– which includes assessment of your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength
- Diagnostic imaging tests (X-ray and MRI)- to get a clear picture of the severity of the damage and whether there is a deformity
- Blood work- to rule out other conditions that could be causing your knee pain
If you have an excess weight problem, your orthopedic surgeon will probably recommend that you lose weight first to both minimize your risk of developing complications after the surgery and ensure that your artificial knee will fully serve its purpose.
If your orthopedic surgeon determines that the damage to your knee has already affected more than one of its compartments, your orthopedic surgeon may instead recommend a total knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Plantation, FL
At Baylis & Brown Orthopedics, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Baylis, MD, will gladly answer all of your questions about knee replacement surgery and will equip you with the right information to empower you to make the wisest decisions about your care.
If Dr. Baylis determines that you do need a knee replacement, he has performed numerous successful knee replacement surgeries (both partial and total) over the course of his career, so you know you can trust him to deliver your desired outcome. Like he did with countless other patients, he can help you move better and live a pain-free life!
Call us today for an appointment with Dr. Baylis: (954) 476-8800. You may also click this link to request an appointment.
