Partial knee replacement is a type of joint replacement. In this process, your knee replacement surgeon replaces the damaged knee joint sections with prosthetic (artificial) pieces. Dr. Pramod Bhor has more than 16 years of experience in partial knee replacement in Kharghar, Mumbai, and has achieved remarkable excellence in joint replacement procedures. He is the top knee replacement surgeon who brings expertise and recovers patients from their knee pain concerns.
What Does Partial Knee Replacement Mean?
A partial-knee replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the knee joint section. Your orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged knee joint part and replaces it with a prosthesis (artificial joint) composed of plastic and metal. This kind of surgical process is also known as joint replacement or even arthroplasty There are mainly three compartments present in the knee joint:
- Patellofemoral Compartment: this area is present under the kneecap
- Medial Compartment: this area is present inside the section
- Lateral Compartment: this compartment is present outside the section
Your orthopedic doctor performs partial knee replacement surgery on the lateral and medial compartments.
Indications of Partial Knee Replacement
It aids in getting rid of your excessive knee joint pain and proper knee functioning. A common reason seen in people for partial knee replacement is single-compartmental knee damage from osteoarthritis. If anyone suffers from knee deformity, post-traumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis then partial replacement of your knee is the wise decision that you should make.
Who is the Right Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee-replacement surgery is a wise option for individuals who are suffering from arthritis. If body mass index is greater than 40 then it is restricted in individuals. To become a right candidate for partial knee-replacement surgery, an individual should have intact knee ligaments. An orthopedic doctor evaluates your case and considers whether partial knee replacement is the right treatment option for you.
With partial replacement of your knee, your knee performs better and improves its longevity. The doctor advises partial knee replacement even if a person is 80 years old in some cases. There is less trauma for partial knee replacement compared to total knee replacement.
People who had an untreated torn ACL or rheumatoid arthritis are not the right fit for partial knee replacement. If a person suffers from angular deformity or has stiffness issues then they should discuss it with their orthopedic healthcare provider.
Things to Do Before the Partial Knee Replacement
- Pause smoking
- Exercise or walk under your orthopedic surgeon’s supervision
- You must lose your weight if you are overweight
- Get a dental check-up done
- You should schedule a physical examination
Procedure for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
If your orthopedic surgeon recommends you perform partial knee replacement, you should consider an orthopedic doctor who will examine how much osteoarthritis has affected the knee.
This assessment includes:
- Imaging scans such as MRI or partial knee replacement x-ray to see which knee or joint part is damaged
- Pinpointing which part of your knee is having pain
- Examining how well you will move
- Assessing how you can bend your knee
You may expect partial knee replacement to last for 1-2 hours. In the partial knee replacement process, your orthopedic surgeon makes a short incision in the front part of the knee to check your three compartments and evaluate whether your ligaments are not damaged. Your orthopedic healthcare provider recommends whether you should opt for knee pain treatment in Kharghar.
If you are a right fit for partial knee-replacement, your orthopedic doctor removes the bone and cartilage part that is damaged. Further, they insert implants that form an artificial joint. These metal implants are placed or left unattached so that bones hold them in place. After this process, plastic spacers are placed between the metal joints so that your knee can bend naturally.
After the partial knee-replacement, you are shifted to the recovery room. Based on your medical requirements, you may have to stay sometime or overnight at the hospital. Sometimes people are given NSAIDs if they have knee pain. Your orthopedic surgeon provides you with the medication so that your body will start healing properly.
The orthopedic surgeon will help you to walk or stand after your surgery. You may need a walker, cane or crutches for days till you feel comfortable. An orthopedic doctor might ask you to take physiotherapy sessions to improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles properly.
What Happens During Partial Knee Replacement Recovery?
There is no doubt that partial knee replacement recovery is less painful and short compared to total knee replacement. Individuals have healed successfully and have returned to their normal activities 6 weeks after the partial knee replacement. You have to follow up regularly with your orthopedic doctor during the healing process to check for any concerns.
Different factors decide your recovery time such as age, health issues or any level of activity before your partial knee replacement. The orthopedic doctor provides you with a personalized recovery plan but you should ensure to exercise properly, ice your knee for at least 20 minutes in day and clean your incision site and change dressing with your orthopedic doctor’s suggestions.
What Are the Potential Risks Associated With Partial Knee Replacement?
Few individuals who go through partial knee-replacement experience some signs and pain. Rare risks involved in the partial-knee replacement:
- Blood vessel damage
- Scar tissue inside the knee
- Issues with the artificial joint such as device loosening
- Device wearing down
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Infection inside knee
- Infection at the surgery site
- Stiffness
- Range of motion reduced
Few health conditions that might make a partial knee replacement difficult. You should discuss your orthopaedic doctor about your health history.
Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Several Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery include:
Natural Knee Feel
Individuals may experience more functioning knee and natural knee mobility after partial knee replacement as the damaged section is replaced.
Fast Recovery
Partial knee-replacement helps to preserve healthy tissue and needs a short incision compared to total knee replacement surgery.
Improved Motion Range
Partial knee-replacement surgery helps to preserve ligaments and facilitates performing activities such as bending easily, climbing stairs, jogging, and playing badminton properly. Partial knee replacement surgery also allows better extension and flexion.
Lower Risk of Complications
With partial replacement of your knee, there is less risk of any complications including infections or blood clots.
If you would like to learn more about partial knee- replacement or would love to discuss more about partial knee replacement, please contact Dr. Pramod Bhor for partial knee replacement in Kharghar, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Faq's
Will partial knee replacement straighten my leg?
Partial knee replacement in Kharghar aids in improving your leg alignment and helps you to straighten your leg to a degree, especially in case your knee deformity was mainly because of arthritis in one knee compartment and it might not be completely correct for significant bowing.
How long does it take to recover from a partial knee replacement?
The recovery time from a partial knee replacement is seen in people between 3 to 6 weeks after partial knee replacement. Also, mainly the recovery time is based on the type of work you do and your overall well-being.
What age is best for partial knee replacement?
As such there is no specific age limit for a partial knee replacement in Kharghar. Your orthopedic surgeon considers patients above 40 years for your partial knee replacement. Mostly, the common age for partial knee replacement is between 50 to 70 years.
Is walking good after partial knee replacement?
Yes, it is no surprise that walking is considered among the best exercises to do after having a partial knee replacement surgery, as it aids in strengthening your muscles around the new knee joint and helps you to move and makes it important for your recovery.
How much does a partial knee replacement cost?
The partial knee replacement in Kharghar costs depends on different factors such as type of surgery, level of activity, age, and weight. For more details, please contact Dr. Pramod Bhor for more details.