Why Receive A Partial (Unicompartmental) Replacement?

With the development of modern-day Partial knee replacement implants and surgical techniques, many advantages exist for using a unicompartmental "retread" compared to a total knee.

Smaller Incision
If the patella and one tibial surface appear healthy, then an incision extending approximately 3" is used to implant the Partial knee replacement components. This is much smaller than the 8" incision required for a total knee; thereby leaving a more pleasing cosmetic appearance after surgery is completed.

Less Blood Loss
Quite often patients are required to donate blood before total knee replacement providing blood to replace the quantity lost during surgery. The Partial knee replacement technique generally eliminates the need for blood transfusion.

Lower Morbidity
Benefits of a less invasive procedure include less postoperative discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, less physical therapy, and more rapid healing.

Shorter Recovery Time
Most partial knee replacement patients walk on their resurfaced knee within a few days of surgery, and are generally released from the hospital within a few days. Within 2-4 weeks most patients are driving an automatic car if the left knee is replaced and resuming most normal daily activities be about six weeks. With a total knee replacement, recovery time can be four to five times longer. Also, with a total knee replacement, extensive physical therapy may be required.

Less Bone Removed while retaining the healthy portion of the knee
Only a few millimeters of bone on one compartment of the knee is removed to properly fit Partial knee replacement implants. In total knee replacement all knee surfaces lose up to 10mms of bone on each of the three compartments. Since Partial knee replacement implants save more bone, future total knee replacement procedures can more easily be performed if necessary.

These figures quoted are the ideal and not always achievable

Copyright © 2005 [Southern Orthopaedics]