The knee consists of several parts, including the medial (inside) section,
outside (lateral) section, and kneecap. A partial knee replacement can
repair the joint if only one or two components are damaged. Like other
joint replacement procedures, partial knee surgery should only be used
as a last resort when more conservative options like physical therapy
and medications have failed.
Candidates for Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is most often recommended for patients with early-stage
osteoarthritis, where damage is in one or two components of the knee.
This means that the cartilage in that specific area of the knee is damaged
and causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities. Arthritis
that has spread to three or more parts of the knee requires
total knee replacement surgery.
You may be a candidate for partial knee surgery if you meet the following criteria:
Your pain has not improved with medication, physical therapy, or other
conservative treatments
You have trouble moving your knee and experience daily pain
The anterior cruciate ligament is still intact and uninjured
Only one or two parts of the knee have been damaged by injury or arthritis
Partial knee replacements leave healthy knee tissue intact, removing only
the damaged and diseased portions of the joint.
Expected Results
Recovery after a partial knee replacement is generally faster than a total
knee replacement. You should be able to start moving your knee immediately
after the surgery. You should participate in outpatient physical therapy,
where you will spend several weeks easing the knee back into normal function.
Full function is expected to return over the following weeks as the pain
subsides. Most patients return to an active lifestyle in approximately
six to eight weeks, but it may take up to up to six months to fully recover
and resume more strenuous activities.
The main recovery goals after a partial knee replacement are to reduce
pain, improve range of motion, and regain strength and function in the
affected knee.
For more information, contact the Joint & Spine Center at
307.739.6199.
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