Unicondylar Knee Replacement

What is Partial or Unicondylar Knee Replacement?

Partial or unicondylar knee replacement is a surgical procedure used to replace only one of the three compartments of the knee joint. The emphasis is on substituting the afflicted knee compartment rather than the entire joint.

The knee joint is made up of three compartments: 

• The medial compartment (inside of the knee), 
• The lateral compartment (outside of the knee), 
• The patellofemoral compartment (underneath the kneecap). 

In a partial or Unicondylar knee replacement, only one of these compartments is replaced with an artificial implant, instead of the entire knee joint. This procedure is also known as a Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Benefits of Partial or Unicondylar Knee Replacement

Partial or Unicondylar knee replacement is typically performed when only one compartment of the knee joint is damaged by osteoarthritis or other conditions. This type of knee replacement may be recommended if the damage is limited to one compartment and the rest of the knee joint is healthy. It is also a good option for patients who have less severe arthritis and still have a good range of motion in their knee. 

There are several benefits of partial or unicondylar knee replacement compared to a total knee replacement. These include:

• One significant benefit is the preservation of healthy bone and cartilage. By targeting only the damaged area, surgeons can maintain more of your natural joint structure.
• This minimally invasive approach typically results in less trauma to surrounding tissues. Patients often experience reduced post-operative pain, leading to a quicker recovery time. Many find that they can return to daily activities sooner than with total replacements.
• Additionally, partial procedures generally involve smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays. This means lower risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.
• Another appealing aspect is improved range of motion after surgery. Patients frequently report feeling more natural movement since not all components of the knee are altered or replaced.

Who is the right candidate?

Partial or unicondylar knee replacement may be a suitable option for patients who have: 

• Severe knee pain that limits daily activities and is not relieved by non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections 
• Knee pain that is localized to one compartment of the knee joint 
• Bone to Bone arthritis with good ACL ligament 
• Varus deformity should be correctable 
• Varus deformity less than 15 degree
• Flexion deformity less than 15 degree 
• Age and weight of the patient is no bar but should not have severe osteoporosis

Contraindications

• Inflammatory arthropathy.
• Previous HTO with overcorrection.
• Sepsis.
• Cruciate ligament lesion.
• Medial or lateral subluxation (usually associated with a torn ACL)
• Tibial or femoral shaft deformity.
• Flexion contracture greater than 15°
• Patellofemoral joint status (PF) is not contraindicate provided there is not severe damage to the lateral part of the pf with bone loss /grooving /subluxation

If you are experiencing severe knee pain and have not found relief with non-surgical treatments, you may be a candidate for partial or unicondylar knee replacement. It is important to consult with a top joint replacement specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and provide recommendations for the most effective treatment. They will also consider your overall health and medical history to determine if this procedure is right for you.