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 knee cap and thigh bone, medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.

Traditionally, total knee replacement was commonly indicated for severe 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 confined to a single compartment of your knee.

Disease Overview

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint causing pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint where as 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.

Causes

While the exact cause of arthritis is unknown, there are several factors that are commonly associated with the onset of arthritis which include:

  • Injury or trauma to the joint
  • Fractures of the knee joint
  • Increased body weight
  • Repetitive overuse
  • Joint infection
  • Inflammation of the joint
  • Connective tissue disorders

Symptoms

Arthritis of the knees can cause knee pain, which may increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing, or kneeling.

The joint may become stiff and swollen, limiting the range of motion. Knee deformities such as knock-knees and bow-legs may also occur.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on your medical history, physical examination, and X-rays.

X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee.

Surgical procedure

Your doctor may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy have failed to relieve the symptoms.

During the surgery, an incision is made over the knee to expose the knee joint. Your surgeon will remove the meniscus and damaged cartilage and replace them with metal and plastic implants. The metal components are typically secured with bone cement to attach them to the bone and the plastic liner snaps between the metal parts to serve as the new cartilage. The soft tissues are then repaired and the incision is closed.

Post-Operative Care

You may walk with the help of a walker, cane, or crutches for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist will advise you on an exercise program to follow to help maintain range of motion and restore your strength. The amount and duration of physical therapy depends on each patient. Some motivated patients may be able to participate in a self-directed therapy protocol. Once the knee has healed, you may perform exercises such as walking, swimming and biking but high impact activities such as jogging should be avoided.

Risks and Complications

Possible risks and complications associated with unicompartmental knee replacement include:

  • Knee stiffness
  • Infection
  • Blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis)
  • Nerve and blood vessel damage
  • Ligament injuries
  • Wearing of the plastic liner
  • Loosening of the implant

Advantages

The advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement over Total Knee Replacement include:

  • Smaller incision
  • Less blood loss
  • Quick recovery
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Better overall range of motion
  • Feels more like a natural knee