What is Partial Knee Replacement?

DR. CHETAN WANKHEDE is Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon in Thane and Mumbai.

A partial knee replacement is suitable for anyone with osteoarthritis of the knee, that’s mainly confined to just one compartment. Even though many patients are suitable for partial knee replacements, they are not always offered it because it sometimes doesn’t fall within all surgeons operative portfolios.

Criteria required to have a partial knee replacement?

To have a partial knee replacement, the patient needs to have a functioning knee with intact internal ligaments and the rest of the knee needs to be in reasonable condition. Commonly medial side of knee joint is replaced as becoz of weight bearing axis causing it involved in most of cases. Age is not a factor that comes into play.

Who shouldn’t have a partial knee replacement?

People with excessive stiffness and arthritis that affects more than one compartment shouldn’t have a partial knee replacement.

What are the pros of a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacements have the following advantages:

• Faster recovery; patients should be able to walk and move on the day of surgery
• Shorter stay in hospital; patients can be discharged one to three days after the surgery, or in some cases even on the same day
• Smaller incision
• Patients keep their own internal ligaments
• Knee moves and feels more natural
• Risk of medical complications is much lower than the medical risks associated with a total knee replacement, which means it can be a safer operation for patients who have other medical problems

What advice do you have for a speedy recovery?

The best thing to do to have a speedy recovery is actually to have pre-habilitation to get your muscles in shape before the surgery takes place. This can be done with physiotherapy and exercises. Of course, rehabilitation after surgery is also beneficial and is often supervised for about six weeks following surgery.