Everything you need to know about partial knee replacement

We all take our mobility for granted, but as we age we can suffer from stiff and arthritic joints that cause pain and reduced mobility. Knee arthritis is fairly common and can affect any part of the knee. When non-invasive measures, such as steroid injections and physiotherapy have been unsuccessful, it may then be time to consider partial knee replacement surgery. Below we give a brief description of what it means to have a partial knee replacement, what happens during the surgical procedure and what to expect during the recovery process.

What exactly is a partial knee replacement?

A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the damaged part of the knee and replacing it with a surgical implant. The idea is to preserve the healthy ligaments and cartridge, enabling you to be pain-free and to once more have free movement of your knee.

What happens during surgery?

During this surgical procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon will make one small incision in the knee. The damaged bone tissue will then be carefully removed. The prosthesis which is tailor-made for you is then inserted into the cavity and fixed in place with surgical cement. The incision is then sutured and a surgical dressing applied to the wound.

Are there any complications to having this surgery?

All surgery comes with risks and potential complications, but the risks associated with partial knee replacement are far less than if you were having a total knee replacement. Complications can include nerve damage, infection and deep vein thrombosis, but these are further reduced when using a skilled surgeon.

Post-surgery recovery

The good news is that most patients recover fairly quickly following surgery. Patients are advised to be as mobile as possible following surgery, with the use of a cane or crutch. Most patients are fully mobile within three to six weeks post-op. You will need pain medication after surgery, but this should only be for a few days.

If you live in the Cheshire area and would like to learn more about having partial knee replacement surgery with us, then please do get in touch with us today.