Versatility in Treating Arthritis of the Knee

A partial knee replacement procedure through arthroscopy is a less invasive alternative to a total knee replacement.

It provides a quicker recovery by allowing for a smaller incision for doctors to replace damaged bone and cartilage. Robotic surgery has revolutionized this procedure, improving accuracy and thus increasing long-term function and success. Our teams at Summit Orthopedic Specialists can evaluate you for this alternative to protect your overall health as you age. This treatment can be an excellent option when other types of care, like assistive devices, fail to alleviate the pain and symptoms of the condition. Let our orthopedic specialists help get you moving again with a partial knee arthroplasty in Sacramento, CA.

What is Partial Knee Replacement?

Arthritis in the knee joint can lead to chronic pain and inflammation, impacting your mobility and quality of life. Having impaired mobility with arthritis can also cascade into secondary health issues, so patients with arthritis can experience multiple benefits through treatment.

There are three parts or compartments in the knee – the medial compartment (inner leg), the lateral compartment (outer leg), and the patellofemoral compartment (underneath the kneecap). Doctors call partial knee arthroplasty a “unicompartmental arthroplasty” when it addresses just one of these three parts. They can even potentially replace just two out of the three compartments in some instances, called a “bicompartmental arthroplasty.”

In a partial knee arthroplasty procedure, doctors replace only the involved damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic components. Thus, this procedure is automatically a less invasive procedure compared to total knee arthroplasty. Another major advantage of partial knee arthroplasty compared to total knee replacement is that all the ligaments in the knee are spared. This leads to a more “natural” feeling knee.

Partial Knee Replacement patient recovery - wearing a knee brace

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

Because partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure than total knee arthroplasty, it allows for a smaller incision making it less intrusive on the outside and inside of the knee. Partial knee replacement results in less pain, less blood loss, and shorter recovery times. Often, this combination leads to less time spent in rehabilitation as well. Again, it also allows your doctor to keep all of the ligaments in the knee intact, leading to a more natural feel for patients as they heal.

Am I a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?

Whether it's related to a recurring sports injury or repetitive stress, arthritis can be very problematic. It often develops slowly over time and often worsens without adequate treatment. If you’ve been trying nonsurgical interventions and they haven't worked, and your arthritis is getting worse, you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement through arthroplasty.

Generally speaking, you are a candidate for partial knee replacement if your arthritis issues are limited to only one or potentially two knee compartments. This is determined primarily by x-rays and consultation with your surgeon. Many partial knee arthroplasty procedures are being done on younger people to maintain that critical mobility that can ward off other health issues later in life. The procedure, however, is certainly possible at all ages and stages in life if deemed appropriate by your surgeon.

Athletic man doing deep kettlebell squats

The Procedure

Because of the smaller incision and less invasive surgical nature, partial knee arthroplasty is typically done as an outpatient procedure.

A partial knee arthroplasty typically takes between one and two hours to perform. The patient may receive spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia for sedation. The surgeon makes an incision at the front of the knee and then addresses the damaged cartilage and bone. Doctors rely on diagnostic imaging that has already been done to locate the compromised bone and cartilage and place the implants, most commonly with robotic assistance.

Recovery

Recovery differs for each patient. At Summit Orthopedic Specialists, we’ve found most of our Sacramento Partial Knee Replacement patients can go home on the same day as surgery, making this an outpatient procedure.

Recovery pain differs by patient as well. Doctors and nurses will be asking about pain levels to provide NSAIDs or other pain medications as needed. In the later stages of recovery, you'll be wanting to try out your newly improved knee slowly.

That involves putting less weight on the knee as you move, especially in the very beginning, and gradually working up to more pressure on the limb and the joint as the knee heals and strengthens. Following your Partial Knee Replacement Sacramento orthopedic surgeons at Summit will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to help you avoid injuring yourself as you get back on your feet.

Results

Many patients experience excellent results with partial knee arthroplasty. As a less invasive procedure, it gives you every chance to make a quick recovery and get back to everything you usually do throughout the day. With that in mind, our Sacramento Partial Knee Replacement patients can benefit from selecting an appropriate course of physical therapy and following the instructions of their physical therapists. Proper exercise of the joint is a key component in how fast you will recover and how much alleviation of pain and symptoms you will get in the future.

Schedule a Consultation for Partial Knee Replacement With Summit Ortho

Our skilled orthopedic specialists will help you through a partial knee replacement in Sacramento, CA, with the care and expertise you'd expect from a top-rated medical team. We’ll help you find the best treatment option for painful arthritis and improve your day-to-day life for a healthier future!

Experience Peak Care Today

6620 Coyle Avenue, Ste 303, Carmichael, CA 95608

In-office arthroscopy. Robotic-assisted surgeries. Versatile non-surgical alternatives. At Summit Orthopedic Specialists, we offer our patients in Sacramento orthopedic surgery and solutions at the leading edge of the industry. Learn how peak care leads to peak performance with a consultation today.

Partial Knee Replacement In Sacramento, CA