Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon in Colorado Springs
Older people with osteoarthritis that is confined to a single compartment of the knee are candidates for unicompartmental knee replacement, in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. Eric K. Jepson, DO provides diagnosis and minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement in Colorado Springs. Eric K. Jepson, DO also provides the highest level of care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Jepson's office for an appointment today!
What is 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 kneecap and thighbone, the medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint that causes pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects older people. In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint, whereas 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.
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
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.
What are the Indications for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
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.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy have failed to relieve the symptoms.
How is Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
During the surgery, a small incision is made over the knee to expose the knee joint. Your surgeon will remove only the damaged part of the meniscus and place the implant into the bone by slightly shaping the shinbone and the thighbone. The plastic component is placed into the newly prepared area and secured with bone cement. Now, the damaged region of the femur or thighbone is removed to accommodate the new metal component, which is fixed in place using bone cement. Once the femoral and tibial components are fixed in proper place the knee is taken through a range of movements. The muscles and tendons are then repaired and the incision is closed.
What Does Postoperative Care for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Involve?
You may walk with the help of a walker or cane for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist will introduce you to an exercise program to follow for 4 to 6 months to help maintain range of motion and restore your strength. You may perform exercises such as walking, swimming, and biking but high impact activities such as jogging should be avoided.
What are the Risks and Complications of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
The 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
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation
- Wearing of the plastic liner
- Loosening of the implant
What are the Advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
The advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement over total knee replacement include:
- Smaller incision
- Less blood loss
- Quick recovery
- Less postoperative pain
- Better overall range of motion
- Feels more like a natural knee
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialist: He completed advanced training in total joint arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute.
- Specialized knee expertise: His clinical interests include total joint replacement, complex knee problems, arthritis management and revision surgery.
- Careful candidate selection: Dr. Jepson evaluates the location of arthritis, ligament stability, knee alignment and range of motion before recommending partial replacement.
- Healthy-tissue preservation: When appropriate, partial knee replacement preserves the unaffected compartments, ligaments and bone.
- Individualized treatment planning: Recommendations are based on the patient’s joint damage, overall health, lifestyle and mobility goals.
- Patient-centered care: Dr. Jepson explains the available options, expected recovery and potential risks so patients can make informed decisions.
Unicompartmental/Partial Knee Replacement FAQs
Candidates generally have arthritis confined to one knee compartment, stable ligaments, correctable alignment and an adequate range of motion. Patients with widespread arthritis, significant deformity or ligament instability may require total knee replacement instead.
Potential benefits compared with total knee replacement may include a smaller incision, less bone removal, reduced blood loss and a potentially faster initial recovery. Some patients also experience more natural knee movement. Outcomes vary according to the condition of the joint and other individual factors.
Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance on the day of surgery or shortly afterward. A walker or cane may be needed temporarily. A physical therapist will provide exercises and instructions for gradually increasing mobility based on individual progress.
Many patients resume routine activities within several weeks, although strength, flexibility and endurance may continue improving for several months. Recovery depends on general health, physical condition and participation in the prescribed rehabilitation program.
Yes. Arthritis may progress in the knee compartments that were not replaced, potentially causing pain and requiring additional treatment. In some cases, a partial knee replacement may eventually need to be converted to a total knee replacement.
Schedule a Partial Knee Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs
If arthritis affects only one section of your knee and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He can assess the extent of your joint damage and determine whether unicompartmental knee replacement may help relieve pain while preserving healthy parts of the knee. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for specialized partial knee replacement care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
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