It is not the only surgical treatment option forknee osteoarthritis, though.
Some patients are candidates for partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
In some knee osteoarthritis patients, only one compartment of the knee is affectedusually the medial compartment.
ZEPHYR / Getty Images
The lateral compartment can be affected, but it is less common.
On the other hand, a total knee replacement involves the replacement of all three compartments of the knee.
While just one compartment is replaced during partial knee replacement, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are preserved.
The ligaments are removed in a total knee replacement.
Suffice it to say, with a partial knee replacement, more of your own body structure remains intact.
With inflammatory arthritis, more than one compartment is usually involved.
Recovery and Success Rates
Recovery times vary per person and also depend on general health.
Bottom Line
There have been improvements in the design of unicompartmental prostheses over the years.
Having a surgeon experienced in working with partial knee replacements is a plus too.
Ultimately, a successful outcome depends on having the right patient for the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
A partial knee replacement is less invasive and recovery tends to be much quicker.
Your healthcare provider can help you decide which option is better for your particular case.
Those with damage to only one part of the knee joint.
There is also a slightly lower risk of serious complications, such as infections or blood clots.
Cons:Many people are not good candidates for a partial knee replacement.
Regular walking without assistance is typically possible within three to four weeks.
High-impact activities, such as running, typically need to be avoided.
About three months to resume most activities.
It may take about six months to one year to reach maximum strength and mobility.
Yes, it’s a major surgery.
Serious complications are rare but sometimes occur.
Joint infections happen in less than 2% of patients.
Serious complications such as heart attack and stroke are even more rare.
Partial Knee Replacement Risks / Benefits.Cleveland Clinic.
July 10, 2016.
Dunn, Albert S.M.
et al.Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Intramedullary Technique.
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.Surgical Options for Knee Arthritis.
2019;393(10172):655-663. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32531-5
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Knee replacement surgery.
American Association of Knee and Hip Surgeons.Total knee replacement.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Total knee replacement.
2016;28(1):46-54. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2016.28.1.46
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Partial knee replacement.
Hospital for Special Surgery.
Friedrich Boettner, MD.
