Partial Knee Replacement

What is a partial knee replacement?

Your knee joint is divided into three different compartments. The inside of your knee is called the medial compartment (between your thigh and shin bones), the outside is the lateral compartment (between your thigh and shin bones), and the third compartment is called the patellofemoral compartment (between your knee cap and your thigh bone).

When the damage to your knee is limited to just one area, Dr. Park may recommend a partial knee replacement to treat only the one compartment. A partial knee replacement allows you to keep more of your natural bone, ligaments, and cartilage than a total knee replacement, which may improve your long-term outcomes.

Who is a good candidate for a partial knee replacement?

A partial knee replacement is primarily an option for patients with osteoarthritis because the cartilage degeneration is often limited to one compartment. Rheumatoid arthritis is not treated with a partial replacement because the inflammatory disease involves the entire joint.

When you suffer a knee injury, it’s common for more than one structure and multiple compartments to be damaged. As a result, partial knee replacements are seldom an option for knee injuries requiring joint replacement.

How is a partial knee replacement performed?

To begin a partial knee replacement, Dr. Park makes a small incision at the affected compartment. The healthy supporting tissues are gently moved out of the way so they stay intact.

Dr. Park removes the damaged cartilage and bone and prepares the bone surface. Then he attaches the metal joint replacements and places a plastic spacer between them to serve as your new cartilage. Once the prosthetic implants are attached, Dr. Park restores the supporting soft tissues to their normal position and closes the incision.

You’ll be able to bear weight on your new knee after surgery, although you’ll use a cane or walker at first to allow time for healing. You’ll receive instructions for exercises to perform and the amount of activity you can tolerate in the days after your procedure. Most patients begin rehabilitation within a week, so your recovery is quick compared to a total knee replacement.

If you have osteoarthritis, you may be a good candidate for a partial knee replacement. Schedule an evaluation today using online booking or by calling the Houston office of Kwan (Kevin) Park, MD.