Knee Replacement surgery or Partial Knee Replacement works very well for majority of the patients. The advantages of this procedure are quicker recovery, less pain after surgery, less blood loss and Knee may also bend better. In this procedure, healthy parts of the knee are not touched and that's why most patients find it more 'natural'.
Patients are admitted in hospitals for the procedures. For more details and free consultation, you can fill in the inquiry form on our website. All your medical queries will be answered.
- Before the procedure, you will need to undergo a complete physical test to evaluate your entire medical status, such as blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays and ECG.
- Tell your orthopedic surgeon about all medications you're taking.
- Stop taking all aspirin or other blood thinning drugs.
- You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your Knee Replacement surgery.
Before the Knee Replacement surgery, you will be given Epidural + Spinal anesthesia. A Unicompartmental or Partial Knee Replacement surgery usually lasts between one to two hours. The surgeon will make a cut over your knee. The surgeon will then remove a portion of your knee cartilage and bone and then replace it with prosthesis. Once it is in the proper place, it is secured with bone cement. The wound is closed with stitches or skin staplers.
As Knee Replacement surgery is less invasive, hospitalization is shorter and rehabilitation and return to normal lifestyle is quicker. Patients usually experience less postoperative pain and swelling. Most patients go home one to three days after the Knee Replacement surgery. You might need a walker or crutches for the first few days until you start walking without help. A physical therapist will prescribe you exercises to improve your joint movement and boost your muscle strength. You can resume regular activities within three to six weeks.
- I have been told that I might benefit from partial knee resurfacing. Is this the same thing as Knee Replacement surgery?
- Is there any age limit for Knee Replacement surgery?
- What is the knee prosthesis made of?
- Will I be able to resume bicycle riding or tennis or skiing after my partial knee replacement?
- What kind of complications can occur with partial knee surgery?
- Is recovery from Knee Replacement surgery painful?
- If I decide to have Knee Replacement surgery, does that mean that I will no longer have arthritis of the knee?
- How long can I expect my Knee Replacement surgery to last?
- When should I call my doctor?
Yes. Knee Replacement surgery, partial knee resurfacing surgery, unicompartmental knee replacement, and unicondylar knee replacement are all the same surgery.
There is no set age, but, in general, partial knee replacement is appropriate for patients over 40 to 50 years of age.
Knee prostheses or implants are made of metal and plastic.
Not all patients, but, many are able to resume biking, tennis and skiing.
Complications may include instability of the knee, loosening of the implant, infection, nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis.
Pain varies from patient to patient. Normally patients experience lesser pain and stiffness following partial knee replacement. Most patients take painkillers for a week or so.
Knee Replacement surgery will address the arthritis that is present in the particular compartment of the knee. Though, you can't be assured that arthritis will not develop somewhere else in the knee. If that happens, surgical revision to a total knee replacement will be a must.
A Knee Replacement surgery done well on an appropriate candidate can survive over a decade following the surgery. There may be need of a surgical revision after the second decade.
Call your doctor if you have the following symptoms: