Partial Knee Replacement
When symptomatic arthritis only affects one area within the knee a partial knee replacement is an excellent option. Patients who undergo partial knee replacements are able to keep their native ligaments and often report a more natural feeling knee. Compared to total knee replacements, patients with partial knee replacements report decreased pain, improved range of motion, and improved postoperative function.
Partial knee replacements:
Patellofemoral
Medial Unicompartmental
Lateral Unicompartmental
Total Knee Replacement
Once arthritis has affected multiple compartments within the knee, a total knee replacement is the best solution. Total knee replacements are highly successful surgeries with high patient satisfaction and excellent longevity. In select patients, with intact cruciate ligaments, a total knee replacement can be performed which retains the native knee ligaments in order to maintain a more natural knee motion after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a knee replacement?
When arthritis begins to effect how you perform your daily activities or limit your participation in fulfilling activites then joint replacement is a good option.
When can I return to work?
This is highly dependent on your work. Someone who works from home may be able to return within days to a week of surgery; whereas, patients with more demanding and physical jobs may require up to 3 months to return.
What is the chance for success?
Over 90% of patients will report that they would do the surgery again and are fulfilled with their outcome after 1 year.
What restrictions are there after my surgery?
Within the first 6 weeks you should refrain from demanding activities while the tissues are healing. Long term, most activities are allowed except for high impact activites which may result in implant failure (football, rugby).
What is the recovery time?
You may require crutches or a walker in the first couple of weeks. Eventually you will transition to using a cane for support. Within the first few months, most people are free of assistive devices. Some people heal faster and some heal slower but most fall within this timeline.
How long will my knee replacement last?
At 20 years after knee replacement, 80-90% are still functioning without need for revision.