What is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces only the arthritic or damaged surfaces of the knee joint. It is called “partial” because it preserves as much of your natural knee as possible, and does not replace all surfaces like a total replacement would. A partial knee replacement can be done through an open incision or with keyhole surgery (arthroscopy). If you have osteoarthritis in just one area of your kneecap, then this may be right for you!

What is Partial Knee Replacement Using Oxford Implant.

A partial knee replacement using the Oxford implant is a type of surgery to remove damaged cartilage and bone in your knee joint. The surgeon will replace it with an artificial surface made from metal, ceramic or plastic that acts like natural cartilage. This procedure may be right for you if you have pain due to arthritis in just one part of your knee.

What Happens During a Partial Knee Replacement.

A partial knee replacement is done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You will likely receive general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Your surgeon makes an incision on your leg just above the kneecap to access your knee joint. They then remove damaged cartilage and bone from the underside of your kneecap. Once the damaged surfaces are removed, your surgeon fits a plastic socket into your knee joint to act as a new surface for movement. Then they place metal or ceramic inserts onto the end of your thigh bones and secure them with cement. The artificial parts fit together like puzzle pieces on top of your kneecap’s natural articular cartilage surface. The artificial parts are held in place with cement, which is a drying liquid that solidifies when exposed to air.

After Your Partial Knee Replacement.

Recovering from a partial knee replacement depends on the type of surgery you have and your overall health conditions. You will likely need help at home for several weeks after surgery. Most people are able to return to many of their normal activities after about six weeks.

Who Can Benefit From A Partial Knee Replacement?

You may be a good candidate for this surgery if you have arthritis pain or knee pain in just one part of your knee. You should not get this procedure if you also have arthritis in the backside of your kneecap, because it will still cause problems after surgery. A partial knee replacement can provide relief from symptoms like swelling and stiffness following activities that strain your knee.
Someone with severe arthritis in one area of their knee joint who does not want to lose the entire knee replacement.

Are Partial Knee Replacements Right For You?

Your surgeon is the best person to help determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery. They will want to know about any other medical conditions that you have, and perform tests like an X-ray or MRI scan of your knee joint before they give their opinion. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon before agreeing to have the procedure.At Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center we can help you make a decision. Located in Richardson, tx, we offer a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries.

In conclusion, a partial knee replacement can provide relief from symptoms like swelling, stiffness and knee pain after activities that strain the affected area, but it does not replace all surfaces like a total replacement would.

Call POSMC today!

To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.

POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!