Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement

Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon in London

In people with arthritis, when the damage is mostly restricted to one compartment  of the knee o , unicompartmental knee replacement, may be an option . Unlike a total/full knee replacement,  only the  the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant in partial / unicompartmental knee replacement .  Mr. Taneja  performs both total and partial knee replacement .

During his Knee Fellowship training Mr Taneja worked at Harrogate Hospital , which is one of the highest volume unicompartmental / partial knee replacement centres in the United Kingdom. Mr Taneja and his team will be happy to answer any questions prior to surgery , assess your suitability for the procedure and ensure you recover quickly after your operation. 

What is Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?

Unicompartmental knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. It is also called a partial knee replacement.

The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone, the medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.

 Mr Taneja will discuss the indications, benefits and risks of the surgery with you in detail during the consultation . The major advantages of a partial knee replacement include a smaller incision, decreased blood loss ( compared to a total/full knee replacement ) , less post-operative discomfort and quicker recovery .  

Disease Overview of Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint that causes pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects people later in life . In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement betwen the joint surfaces , whereas in an arthritic knee the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony spurs. These factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

DIagnosis is based on your medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee, along with other changes.

Treatment for Arthritis

Treatment options for arthritis include conservative ( non-operative ) and surgery .  Mr Taneja  will discuss the best option for you, after  consultation, examinaton of your knee and reviewing the X-Rays.

Indications of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Traditionally, total knee replacement was commonly indicated for significant osteoarthritis of the knee.  In total knee replacement, all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if your arthritis is predominantly confined to a single compartment of your knee.

 

Surgical Procedure of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

During the surgery, an incision is made over the knee to expose the knee joint. The damaged  surfaces of the knee are removed and replaced with smooth metal components . A plastic component is inserted between the metal surfaces . Therefore, when you move the knee,  the metal glides over the plastic providing pain free movement . 

Postoperative Care Following Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Most patients are able to walk on the day of surgery itself . A physical therapist will introduce you to an exercise program to help maintain range of motion and restore your strength.