Partial Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a partial knee replacement?

A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which your orthopedist replaces parts of your knee joint to restore it. They preserve the natural joint and replace problematic bones or other tissues as needed. After a partial knee replacement, you can often resume a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Partial knee replacement surgery is less invasive than a total knee replacement. You can expect shorter recovery times, less blood loss, better range of motion, and less pain after surgery.

Is a partial knee replacement right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for a partial knee replacement, your orthopaedic specialist reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and examines your knee joint. They often recommend blood tests and X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures.

A partial knee replacement might be right for you if you have an injury or disease that only affects a portion of your knee joint. If you’ve damaged more than one part of your knee, your orthopedist will likely recommend a total knee replacement.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

To prepare for a partial knee replacement, follow your surgeon’s instructions. Stop taking medications, don’t smoke, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and avoid food and drink the morning of surgery if your surgeon asks you to.

What happens during a partial knee replacement?

Before you undergo partial knee replacement surgery, your specialist gives you a general anesthetic to make you fall asleep. Your surgeon makes a small incision in your knee to remove damaged or diseased tissues from the joint. They place a partial prosthesis in your knee to replace the removed tissues. Your surgeon then stitches the incision closed and bandages it.

Each procedure lasts 1-2 hours. You spend an additional two hours in recovery following the surgery.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Partial knee replacement is an outpatient procedure. You will work with a therapist prior to returning home to ensure you can move independently and take care of yourself. Take medications as directed and get plenty of rest. Physical therapy can enhance your recovery and help you regain mobility and strength. Full recovery after a partial knee replacement takes about six weeks.

To learn more about partial knee replacement and find out if it’s right for you, call the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson office today or schedule an appointment online.