Partial knee replacement surgery is also known as Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery. This surgery is recommended to patients who have severe arthritis in knees and all other treatments gave failed to provide them with relief.
Traditionally, patients who are suffering from advanced arthritis of the joint undergo total knee replacement in which all the cartilage is removed from the knee joint are replaced with an artificial implant. Whereas in partial knee replacement surgery only the damaged areas of the cartilage from the joint is removed without disturbing the healthy parts of the joints. Partial knee replacement surgery is performed by making a small incision and involves faster recovery. This surgery use implants which are placed between the end of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone. This surgery can also be performed to replace the part of the joint under the kneecap.
Partial knee replacement can be considered at any age. This surgery offers an opportunity for younger people to preserve more bone whereas in the case of older people partial knee replacement is a less stressful surgery as it involves less pain and less risk of bleeding.
Who Are The Candidates For Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
Partial knee replacement surgery is recommended to patients who are suffering from severe arthritis in knees and all other conservative treatments have failed to provide them with relief. Conservative treatments include medicines, injection, exercises and physical therapy. Partial knee surgery is possible if arthritis in the knee is confined to a limited area. In case if arthritis is more widespread than partial knee replacement is not an appropriate option. The ideal candidate for partial knee surgery are:-
• Not overweight.
• Older than 55 years.
• People who are not laborers or athletes.
• People who have intact ligaments.
• All treatments have failed.
Surgical Procedure of Partial Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement surgery requires resurfacing of the damaged surfaces of the knee joint. The artificial knee joint used in the surgery is designed in such way that it fits over the edges of the damaged joint to replace the damaged areas with one that can be used pain-free.
The surgery takes around 4-6 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. To perform this surgery the surgeon makes an incision of 10 cms in the middle of the knee over the top of the kneecap which provides the surgeon with access of the entire knee. The surgeon then removes the damaged bone and tissue. An artificial implant which is made of plastic and metal is placed into the knee. Once the artificial implant is placed it is attached with the help of bone cement. The surgeon then closes the wound with stitches. There are two main techniques to perform partial knee replacement surgery Repicci method and oxford method. The method used for the surgery varies from patient to patient.
Risks Associated With Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Following are some of the risks and complications can arise while performing the surgery:-
• Blood clots.
• Buildup of fluid in the knee joint
• Failure of implants.
• Damage to the nerves.
• Loosening of Implants.
• Damage to blood vessels.
• Pain with kneeling.
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy which occurs in very rare condition.
Successful Partial Knee Replacement Surgeries in India
The knee replacement surgery success rate in India is very high. India has a large pool of highly skilled and qualified orthopaedic surgeons who add to the success rate. Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest techniques, technology and uses most modern equipment. Partial knee replacement surgery cost in India is very less as compared to any other country. Undergoing partial knee replacement surgery in India can be quite beneficial for patients can save a huge amount on the surgery.
