When is a Partial Knee Replacement Indicated?
If a patient presents a knee with only limited arthritis damage, surgeons may decide to perform a partial knee replacement or as it is sometimes called a unicompartmental knee replacement. The total knee replacement involves removal of both of the knee joint surfaces, femur and tibia, but partial knee replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis usually appears first in the inside part of the knee, which supports most of the body's weight.
What are the advantages of a Partial Knee Replacement?
In knees that are otherwise healthy, a partial knee replacement leaves the outer compartment and all ligaments intact so that the joint may bend and function more naturally.
Techniques Used in a Partial Knee Replacement?
Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques are used in a partial knee replacement. This technique is designed to reduced trauma to the knee and to preserve as much bone as possible. This reduced trauma allows most patients to leave the hospital the same day of the procedure and return to work in about two weeks.
What is the Success Rate of a Partial Knee Replacement?
Clinical studies show that the Oxford® Knee demonstrated a 98% success rate over 10 years, which is approximately the same as the results of the most successful total knee replacements.