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Arthritis in the knee often results in severe pain, loss of function, reduction in quality of life and even depression. Arthritis occurs as a result of degeneration of cartilage in the knee. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as  ”wear and tear” arthritis, and can manifest itself as a stiff and painful joint that may occasionally “lock” or “give way” during walking. Due to Osteoarthitis, the cartilage in the knee breaks down over time and the result is a severely damaged joint surface with bone rubbing on bone.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory process that results in erosion of the articular cartilage and subsequent damage to the joint surface. Uni-compartmental partial knee replacement is not indicated in cases of rheumatoid or inflammatory Arthritis.

A partial knee replacement is an innovative alternative to Total knee replacement in the field of orthopaedics. The procedure is minimally invasive, the healthy tissue in your knee is preserved.  The incision is smaller compared to a total knee replacement. Only the damaged area of your knee joint is replaced. Your recovery time will be faster compared to total knee replacement  and you  might only require  2-3 days in hospital.

 

Uni-compartmental knee replacement benefits

  1. No disruption of the knee cap
  2. Minimal blood loss
  3. Smaller incision
  4. Less post-operative pain
  5. Shorter hospital stay
  6. Faster rehabilitation
  7. More normal knee function and better range of motion compared to total knee replacement

 

Surgery

This minimally invasive procedure allows to replace only the damaged part in your knee, leaving the healthy cruciate ligaments and other compartment of your knee intact.

Procedure

  1. Mostly General Anaesthetic or Spinal anaesthesia in combination with adductor canal nerve block. A very small catheter is introduced through the front of your thigh and placed next to the nerve that supplies parts of your knee. Local anaesthetic is supplied through that catheter to reduce pain during and after surgery
  2. A urinary catheter is placed in your bladder
  3. An incision over the front of the knee allows access to the knee joint
  4. The end of the tibia and the femur are shaped to accommodate the new surface. The damaged cartilage and eroded bone are removed from the damaged compartment
  5. Using trial components perfect alignment is confirmed
  6. After trial run the original implants are cemented into position
  7. The incision is closed

 

Rehabilitation

  1. Ice and elevation will be used early to reduce swelling and pain
  2. On the first post-op day your catheter will be removed from your bladder and the dressing will be reduced.
  3. The adductor canal block is very effective in reducing pain and allows you to walk and weight bear with crutches or walker on the first day
  4. On day 2-3 the adductor canal catheter is removed
  5. You will be given an Instruction sheet for your home exercise program. Generally you will be discharged from hospital on day 3-4

 

Returning home

  1. You will be supplied with required painkillers
  2. For thrombo-prophylaxis I usually I recommend to take a blood thinning tablet for 15 days after discharge
  3. Move furniture as needed to make adequate room for ambulation with crutches or walker
  4. Consult with your physiotherapist to determine any other home equipment needs prior to discharge
  5. Take your time when first standing up or when walking to make sure you are not dizzy or unsteady
  6. First follow up will be in my rooms at 4-6 weeks or earlier if there is a problem