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Considering a Partial Knee Replacement? Here's What You Need to Know
More than 850,000 people in the United States receive knee replacement surgery each year. A small percentage of them opt for a partial knee replacement. Discover the benefits of both.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert A. Mileski, MD, resolves your knee pain using either full or partial knee replacement surgery. Dr. Mileski also performs an array of surgical and nonsurgical procedures at Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona.
What is partial knee replacement surgery?
Your knee is comprised of ligaments, muscles, cartilage, bones, and nerves in three areas:
- Patella (kneecap)
- Femur (thigh bone)
- Tibia (shinbone)
During partial knee replacement surgery, Dr. Mileski exchanges damaged portions of your knee joint with artificial parts made of metal and plastic. The surgery relieves knee problems from:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Knee gout
- Injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or a torn meniscus
- Patellar tendinitis causing inflammation between the kneecap and shinbone
Dr. Mileski may also recommend partial knee replacement if you have knee bursitis or other issues.
Common symptoms
Aside from pain and difficulty straightening your knee, problems may include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Instability
- Crunching sounds
Dr. Mileski discusses the best course of action to resolve your condition.
What happens on the day of surgery
Prior to surgery, an anesthesiologist provides general anesthesia and/or a supplemental spinal block to remove any pain from the waist down. A peripheral nerve block may also be used near specific nerves to dampen pain.
During surgery, Dr. Mileski makes an incision on your knee and confirms which compartments require repair. He then:
- Removes damaged bone and/or cartilage
- Inserts prosthetics
- Places a plastic spacer to cushion and smooth the area
The surgery takes about an hour. After a recovery period, you may either go home or remain overnight for further observation.
Recovering from knee surgery
The recovery time for partial knee replacement takes six weeks or longer. After surgery, Dr. Mileski recommends you:
- Keep your knee elevated.
- Ice your knee for 20 minutes several times per day to relieve swelling and pain.
- Keep the area covered and clean.
Dr. Mileski advises you regarding showering and changing your dressing. He also discusses at-home exercises and physical therapy, two of the most important components of your recovery.
Partial versus full knee replacement
While less common, partial knee replacement usually involves less pain and a shorter recovery period. Other benefits include:
- Less time under anesthesia
- A smaller incision
- Decreased blood loss
- Lower risk of blood clots and infection
- Less need for narcotic pain relievers
- Ability to return to work and daily exercise routine more quickly
During a full knee replacement, Dr. Mileski replaces all three areas of your knee:
- Beneath your kneecap (patellofemoral)
- Inside (medial)
- Outside (lateral)
Partial replacement, on the other hand, replaces only one or two of these, requiring less invasive surgery. Patients with knee arthritis who opt for partial replacement, however, may need additional surgery down the road. Those with full knee surgery and appropriate follow-up care enjoy more than a 95% chance their new knee(s) will last 15 years or longer.
Dr. Mileski decides which surgery is best after reviewing your:
- Imaging tests, such as a knee X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
He’lli also discuss which medications and/or supplements you should temporarily halt before and directly following your surgery.
Experience improved mobility and more
Whichever surgery you choose, through our use of innovative robotic and state-of-the art technology, you should enjoy an enhanced quality of life and freedom from knee pain for years to come.
If you’re experiencing ongoing knee pain or any other orthopedic issue, schedule a consultation online or by phone with Dr. Mileski at Phoenix Orthopedic Group today.
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