What is Partial Knee Replacement

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What is the meaning of Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement or partial knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to replace only one part of a damaged knee. The procedure involves replacing the affected part of the knee using an artificial part, known as a prosthetic implant while conserving the healthy knee ligaments and unaffected cartilage. The prosthetic implants are either made up of metal or plastic. Partial knee replacement has many advantages over total knee replacement, like a quicker recovery and more range of motion preserved after surgery. However, partial knee replacement is only performed in people having a damaged knee in just one place, either the outside (lateral), inside (medial), or kneecap.

The knee joint is the largest joint of the body. The knee joint is formed at the junction of the thigh bone or femur and the shin bone or tibia. The knee joint is made up of ligaments, cartilage, tendons, patella (kneecap), and lubricating fluid.

In this article, we will be discussing in detail about partial knee replacement.

• What are the different types of Partial Knee Replacement?
• What is the purpose of Partial Knee Replacement?
• What are the symptoms that indicate the need for a Partial Knee Replacement?
• What is the diagnostic procedure before Partial Knee Replacement?
• How to prepare for Partial Knee Replacement?
• What is the procedure for Partial Knee Replacement?
• How to care after Partial Knee Replacement?
• What are the risks of Partial Knee Replacement?
• What is the cost of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in India?

What are the different types of Partial Knee Replacement?

The different types of partial knee replacement surgeries are:

• Unicondylar knee replacement: It is a procedure that replaces only a single affected knee compartment, either the medial or lateral compartment.
• Patellofemoral knee replacement: It is a procedure that replaces the worn patella and the trochlea (the groove present at the end of the thigh bone).
• Bicompartmental knee replacement: It is a procedure that replaces two knee compartments, that is, the medial and patellofemoral compartments.

What is the purpose of Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement surgery is recommended in the following cases:

• Osteoarthritis: This is an age-related disorder caused due to the breakdown of the cartilage (the cushion between the knee and the bone joints). If a person has arthritis on only one side of the knee, a partial knee replacement surgery may be recommended. ( Know more about – What are the home remedies for arthritis ? )
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition, that is, the immune system (disease-fighting system) of the body attacks and destroys the knee lining in this condition.
• Knee injuries: A person having a good range of motion in the knees and stable ligaments in the knee joint after a knee injury may need a partial knee replacement surgery. ( Know more about- What is Bone Fractures ? )
• Deformities: A minor deformity in the knee joint may need a partial knee replacement surgery.

What are the symptoms that indicate the need for a Partial Knee Replacement?

The following symptoms indicate the need for a partial knee replacement surgery:

• Intense knee pain on one side of the knee
• Knee stiffness on one side of the knee
• Knee joint deformity
• Daily activities like walking and standing for a prolonged period are hampered due to knee pain
• Continuous knee pain even while sleeping or resting
• Chronic or long-term knee inflammation or swelling that does not improve even after testing or taking medicines 
• Other orthopedic treatments fail to treat knee discomfort

What is the diagnostic procedure before Partial Knee Replacement?

• Physical examination: The patient is evaluated physically. The patient’s medical history and symptoms are noted. The knee mobility and soft tissues around the knee are also checked by the doctor.
• Blood tests: These tests help in diagnosing any underlying medical conditions. 
• Urine tests: These tests help in checking for underlying infections, diabetes, or other medical diseases.
• Chest x-ray: This test helps in evaluating the condition of the organs in the chest region, that is, the heart and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test is done to record the electrical activity of the heart. ( Know more about- What is Echocardiography ? )
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are the different types of imaging tests that help in obtaining a clear picture of the bone defect present in the knee region.

How to prepare for Partial Knee Replacement?

• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions that you may have.
• Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any supplements, medications, or herbs.
• If you are allergic to any medications, anesthetic agents, latex, iodine, or tape, inform the doctor about the same.
• You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin a few days before the surgery.
• You should stop smoking as soon as possible.
• The doctor will instruct you on which medicines need to be taken or not taken just before the surgery.
• You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything eight hours before the surgery.  (Know more about- What is Total Knee Replacement? )

What is the procedure for Partial Knee Replacement?

• The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia, that is, the patient is made unconscious before the procedure.
• The doctor will inspect the knee joint properly and make an incision in the front portion of the joint.
• The surgeon can access all the three compartments of the knee joint and approach the affected compartment where kidney damage has occurred.
• Using special saws, the damaged cartilage and part of the bone are removed from the respective compartment of the knee joint.
• The removed portion is then substituted using metal coverings to recreate the joint surface.
• These metal parts or prosthetic implants are held to bone with the help of cement.
• A plastic insert is generally placed between the two metal components to avoid friction and create a smooth gliding surface, which is the normal function of the cartilages.
• The skin and the wound are now closed using sutures (stitches).
• The procedure takes about one to two hours to complete.

How to care after Partial Knee Replacement?

• You will most likely stay in the hospital for a day or two after the surgery.
• You may have some pain and swelling after the surgery.
• Physiotherapy is recommended for two to four weeks after hospital discharge to mobilize the knee. ( Know more about- What is Physiotherapy? )
• You may need to use a walker or crutches for some time after the surgery.
• You may resume most of your daily activities about six to eight weeks after the surgery.
• You have to attend regular follow-up sessions with your doctor to check the outcome of the surgery and also check for any complications.

What are the risks of Partial Knee Replacement?

The following complications may be associated with partial knee replacement surgery:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clot formation
• Continued knee pain and stiffness 
• Fluid buildup in the knee joint
• Injury to the surrounding healthy tissues
• Nerve damage
• Blood vessel damage
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Failure of the prosthesis
• Dislocation or loosening of the new knee joint
• Wear and year of the new knee joint
• Requirement for another surgery 

What is the cost of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in India?

The total cost of partial knee replacement surgery in India can range from around INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000. However, many prominent hospital doctors in India specialize in partial knee replacement surgery. But the cost varies across different hospitals.

If you are coming from abroad, apart from the cost of partial knee replacement surgery, there will be an additional cost of living in a hotel and the cost of local travel. After the procedure, the patient is kept for two days in the hospital and ten days in the hotel for recovery. So, the total cost of partial knee replacement in India is INR 1,30,000 to INR 6,50,000 per session. 

We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding partial knee replacement through this article.

If you need more information about partial knee replacement, you can contact an Orthopedic Surgeon.

We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medication or treatment to anyone. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice and the correct treatment plan.