Who Qualifies For A Partial Knee Replacement
It depends on your arthritis and where your pain is primarily located. If you have more wear-and-tear in just one compartment of the knee, you may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system attacks the joints, you may be a better candidate for total knee replacement. However, with improvements in rheumatoid arthritis medications, some people can be considered for partial knee replacement.
Dont Put Off Pain Relief
For many patients, total joint replacement surgery brings significant pain relief and improved function. Many people report regret over waiting for surgery, as a joint replacement can give older patients a new lease on life during the golden years. For more information about knee replacement options, speak with an orthopedic surgeon.
Indications Of Partial Knee Replacement
Anatomically, the knee consists of two distinct condyles or parts, viz. the medial condyle and the lateral condyle. Partial knee replacement surgery in Mumbaifocuses on the surgical removal and replacement of one single condyle only.
Patients with localized damage to the knee joint are often ideal candidates for partial knee replacement surgery. Arthritis of autoimmune origin responds well to partial knee replacement surgery. Partial knee replacement is a relatively shorter procedure in comparison to total knee replacement. Therefore, it is often indicated in patients who may not be able to handle the stress of total knee replacement.
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What Are The Benefits Of Partial Knee Replacement Over Total Knee Replacement
If you are a good candidate for a partial knee replacement, you should know the procedure is much less complex than a total knee replacement. The incision will be smaller, so you will likely see a quicker recovery, less discomfort after your procedure, and much less lost blood. In addition, a partial knee replacement tends to feel more like your natural knee once the area has healed.
Total Versus Partial Knee Replacement
If youve been putting off knee surgery, your ears may perk up at the mention of a partial knee replacement instead of a full knee replacement. But what is the difference between the two procedures?
Both types of knee surgery have their own benefits. An orthopedic surgeon ultimately considers many factors, such as age, bone density and the shape of your joints to determine exactly which kind of replacement will be best for you.
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Determining If Youre A Candidate For A Partial Or Total Knee Replacement
The ideal patient for a knee replacement surgery has a few commonalities: 60 or older, 180 pounds or less, not very active, minimal deformity and an overall good range of motion prior to surgery. It is also important that those with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, avoid these procedures.
There have been improvements in the design of unicompartmental prostheses over the years. It is ideal to have an orthopedic surgeon that is well experienced in working in both full and partial knee replacements.
At the end of the day, the overall success of the knee replacement depends on how right the patient is for the procedure.
Contact Dr. Likover in order to assess if you are a good candidate for a partial or total knee replacement.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Knee Replacements
There are two kinds of knee replacements- partial knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Total knee replacements are operations that requires resurfacing the entire knee. Partial knee replacements involve only replacement of the arthritic part of the joint. There are three compartments within the knee medial , lateral and patellofemoral . The most common area of degeneration is under the medial compartment of the knee.
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Ial Knee Replacement The Other Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement, medically referred to as unicompartmental knee replacement, involves resurfacing only certain portions of the bones that meet at the knee joint. In some cases, a patient will have more damage to one portion of the knee than others, so a total knee replacement would not be necessary to restore the full function of the knee.
The knee can be separated into three different compartments of the joint: medial , lateral , and patellofemoral . During partial knee replacement, the surgeon may only need to install implants in one compartment to resurface the bone. For example, if osteoarthritis has created severe degeneration of the patella, the interior of the patella may only have to be resurfaced.
Whats The Difference Between A Partial And Total Knee Replacement
Joint replacement surgery can either be a partial or total replacement, and both types can be done using minimally invasive methods. The type of knee replacement surgery your orthopedic surgeon recommends will depend on your age, general health, and specific joint damage.
Medically speaking, the knee consists of three areas:
- Medial
- Lateral
- Patellofemoral/anterior
A partial knee replacement involves replacing one or two of these components, while a total knee replacement replaces all three.
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Questions About Total Versus Partial Knee Replacement
If you have questions or want to learn more about either a total knee replacement or partial knee replacement, call our nurse navigator Kathryn Harada today. Kathryn brings a passion for helping patients learn about the types of procedures and the benefits and typical outcomes of each. To speak with Kathryn about your situation, call or fill out theform below.
MEET OUR NURSE NAVIGATOR
Who Is A Candidate For A Partial Knee Replacement
The key in determining whether or not youre a candidate depends upon the extent of the arthritic damage to your joint. For a partial replacement, the arthritis must be limited to a certain area.
To be eligible, you can NOT have any of the following conditions:
- Extensive stiffness in your knee
- Damaged ligaments
- Inflammatory arthritis
Not sure if youre a candidate? Dont worry. We will work with you to determine if surgery is a good option for you or if you would be best served through nonsurgical techniques. We recognize that each patient is different, and thats why were dedicated to creating an approach perfectly tailored to your needs.
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Risks And Benefits Of Total Knee Replacement And Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
A partial knee replacement procedure is a less invasive procedure so less damage to the bone and soft tissue, fewer possible complications and a faster recovery. Typically, there will be better range of movement once recovered.
The big difference between a partial and total knee replacement is that there is a higher risk of revision for a partial replacement and any revision procedure has a higher chance of complications and worsening of function afterwards.
Difference Between Partial And Total Knee Replacements
During a total knee replacement, the entire joint surface is replaced with prosthetic components. With a partial knee replacement, only the damaged portion of the knee is resurfaced with implants. The healthy bone and cartilage is left alone.
When compared to total knee replacements, partial knee replacements generally allow for less blood loss, less pain after surgery, and quicker recovery times. Many patients also report that a partial knee replacement feels more like a natural knee because the healthy part of the joint is left alone. However, if arthritis damages the other compartments of the knee in the future, a total knee replacement may eventually be necessary.
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How Do Partial Knee Replacements Work
A good candidate for a partial knee replacement would have radiographic signs of bone on bone arthritis in only one compartment of the knee with localized pain to that same compartment. Patients with widespread pain in the knee who are unable to localize their symptoms are typically better candidates for total knee replacement.
A partial knee replacement can be performed manually or with robotic assistance. A manual partial knee replacement requires the surgeon to prepare the ends of the bones for implants using specialized jigs that help to align the components. A robotic-assisted partial knee replacement uses a robotic arm to help prepare the ends of the bones in a more accurate and precise way. Validation studies have shown better alignment of implants can be achieved with robotic technology. It is hoped that better alignment will lead to longer-lasting implants. Although robotic technology has only been available for partial knee replacements for about 10 years early survivorship studies are encouraging.
Benefits Of Partial Surgery
Patients who are good candidates for a partial knee replacement may experience a faster recovery and less pain. Because some of the natural bone and ligaments are still in place, the patients knee may bend better after a partial knee replacement. Some patients also just appreciate knowing that not the entire knee is prosthetic.
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Raleigh Bone And Joint Surgery Clinic: The Treatment You Need With The Compassionate Care You Deserve
Not everyone who has osteoarthritis of the knee will need a knee replacement. Often, we can provide solutions through nonsurgical treatment. However, if you do need a total or partial knee replacement, we will create a detailed care plan for your surgery and recovery.
For decades, weve been the leading orthopedic practice in the Triangle areaand one of the few that are independent and community-based.
We believe patient choice is important, and thats why our knee surgeons are affiliated with 5 local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. This provides our patients with options of where they would like to receive their care.
We would welcome the opportunity to help you get back to the life you love. Please contact us for an appointment.
Study Outcomes And Future Directions
Our findings highlighted the need for a decision aid focused on partial and total knee replacement. A reference group was initiated, the study findings consulted on, FAQs determined and information prioritised to include in the decision aid. A systematic review has been completed comparing partial versus total knee replacement to help inform the FAQs . The tool will be user-tested and evaluated in the clinical setting.
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The Benefits Of Partial Vs Total Knee Replacement
One of the most frequent questions we are asked at the Leone Center for Orthopedic Care is, What are the benefits of a partial versus a total knee replacement?
To answer that question, we first must explore the reasons why a particular patient may develop knee joint degeneration. At the Leone Center for Orthopedic Care, we see patients with complex knee problems of all types with joint and bone destruction including past trauma, bad outcomes from prior surgery, infection, rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis, or childhood diseases. Many patients have had prior open surgeries and arthroscopy. Many patients have a strong family history for knee arthritis and deformity. And indeed, many patients present with significant angular deformities. Unfortunately, knee arthritis is clearly linked to obesity, which we recognize now as epidemic in our country. Although knee osteoarthritis is not found in everyone as they age, it is more common with aging.
As the knee degenerates, the smooth cartilage that lines the knee joint deteriorates. This special cartilage helps remove friction, distributes the joint forces uniformly and helps cushion the forces by acting like a shock absorber. Unfortunately, this special type of cartilage is one part of the body that cannot repair itself. Once that cartilage is gone, it is gone permanently.
Other benefits include:
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What Are The Types Of Partial Knee Replacement
There are two basic types of unicompartmental knee replacement.
- Unicondylar knee arthroplasty , in which one side the medial or lateral of the knee joint surfaces are replaced.
- Patellofemoral joint replacment , in which only the patella and the part of the femur it connects to are diseased).
For more detailed information, read the articles below.
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Ial Knee Replacement Procedure
Before Dr. Meneghini begins a partial knee replacement, he will explore the other compartments of the knee to confirm that the damage is limited to just one compartment. He uses special instruments to remove the damaged cartilage from the compartment of the knee that needs to be replaced.
After the cartilage is removed from the damaged compartment, the ends of the bone are resurfaced with metal components. A plastic spacer is inserted between the two components to allow the newly-resurfaced compartment to glide smoothly.
Ial Vs Total Knee Replacement: Learn The Difference
The human body is an amazing machine. The musculoskeletal system gives your body form, stability, and mobility. This system, made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and other connective tissues, is truly exceptional. Joints like your knees work endlessly each day for years. While your body can withstand a lot of wear, injury, arthritis, and other issues can cause serious joint damage. If the damage is serious enough, you may need a full or partial joint replacement. If you think youll need joint replacement surgery in Jacksonville, FL, you might want to know the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement.
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What Is The Difference Between A Partial And Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is one of the common solutions for knee osteoarthritis, which involves the deterioration of articular cartilage. One of the primary factors in differentiating if a candidate should receive either a partial or total knee replacement is where the pain is located.
If the knee pain is isolated to either the inside portion or outside portion of the knee, then the patient might be a candidate for a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement. However, if severe knee pain exists throughout the whole knee, or towards the front of the knee underneath the kneecap, then a total knee replacement may be the necessary solution for the patient.
About Knee Replacement Surgery
A total knee replacement, knee arthroplasty, is really a knee resurfacing because only the surface of the bones is replaced. The damaged cartilage is removed with a small amount of underlying bone and replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. The under-surface of the patella, kneecap, is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface. Knee replacement surgery was first performed in 1968. Since then, improvements in surgical materials and techniques have greatly increased its effectiveness. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States.
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Benefits And Risks With Partial Knee Replacement
There are benefits to having a partial knee replacement as compared to a total knee replacement. The same complications are possible with both surgical procedures: loosening, infection, nerve injury, fracture of the bone and more.
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Less bone and soft tissue dissection
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Less blood loss
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A higher revision rate for partial knee replacement than total knee replacement
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Potentially worse function after revision of partial knee replacement than total knee replacement
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Revisions can be more complicated than primary surgeries
Five Questions You Should Ask Your Surgeon About Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.
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What Is A Total Knee Replacement
Total knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement has the longest track record and has a lower rate of revision surgery, or need for repeat surgery. In a total knee replacement, your surgeon has the ability to correct for deformity from arthritis or prior trauma. Patients with severe arthritis to more than one compartment of their knee, a history of inflammatory or post-traumatic arthritis are excellent candidates for a total knee replacement.
Ial Knee Replacement Surgery
If you only have cartilage damage in one or two compartments of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be more appropriate. There are two types of partial knee replacement surgeries:
- Unicompartmental knee replacement: In a unicompartmental knee joint replacement surgery, one part of your knee joint is resurfaced.
- Bicompartmental knee replacement: In a bicompartmental knee joint replacement surgery, two parts of your knee joint are resurfaced.
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What Is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of the connective tissue, called articular cartilage, within the joint. Articular cartilage prevents one bone from scraping against another. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber in the joint and allows for smooth and stable movement within the joint. When the cartilage thins, the joint can inflame and you may feel pain and stiffness in the joint. Your range of motion may be limited.
What Is Recovery Like
You can start moving the knee the day of your surgery. Your knee function should return rapidly and with less pain than with total knee replacement. Youll work with a physical therapist to mobilize the knee while in the hospital and for two to four weeks after discharge. Youre usually discharged no later than one or two days after surgery.
Youll need medication to guard against formation of a blood clot while in the hospital and maybe for a period of time after youre discharged.
If all goes well, you should be back to full activity in about six to eight weeks. Impact exercises or jogging/running may not be recommended because the replacement includes a bearing surface that can wear. However, activities like tennis, skiing, and other sports are okay. This, of course, is why partial knee replacement is even being considered to return you to activities you enjoy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/16/2020.
References
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