Partial Knee
Replacement
A Partial Knee Replacement is a procedure that is undertaken to relieve pain and restore function of a knee joint in which part of the knee is severely worn out due to arthritis
What is a Partial Knee Replacement?
During the procedure, only this part of the damaged cartilage and bone are cut away, and replaced with a Partial artificial joint, made from metal and high-grade plastic. Rest of the Knee is preserved.
The benefits of this operation are a smaller incision, less bone removal as compared with a total knee replacement and less blood loss. The time spent in hospital and overall time to full recovery is likely to be shorter than a Total Knee replacement. A partial knee replacement may be considered if you have arthritis confined to one part of the knee.
The decision to undergo a Partial Knee Replacement is a joint one between you, your family, GP and the Orthopaedic Surgeon. Those who benefit from a Partial Knee replacement have one of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain or stiffness in the Knee that limits day to day activities like walking, climbing stairs, and getting into and out of vehicles. Walking distance may be restricted and may need the use of a stick.
- Severe Knee pain at rest or disturbing sleep
- Failure to improve with other treatments like pain killers/anti-inflammatory tablets, cortisone injections or physiotherapy
Patient’s recovery following a Partial Knee Replacement is often quicker as it is less painful. Patients have less swelling and return to normal daily activities and work much faster than a Total Knee Replacement.