Partial Knee Replacement in New York City
What is a partial knee replacement?
Your knee joint is made up of three compartments: the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartment. The medial compartment of the knee is the inner part of your knee, situated closer to the center of your body. The lateral compartment is the outer part of your knee, situated at the side of your body, and the patellofemoral compartment is located at the front of your knee between your kneecap and femur. Damage to the cartilage or bone in any of these compartments may result in knee pain, discomfort, and impaired mobility.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent knee pain, a partial knee replacement, also known as a partial knee arthroplasty, can be performed to help restore and replace the damaged surfaces of the affected compartments. A partial knee replacement can be unicompartmental, meaning only one compartment is replaced, or it can be bicompartmental, meaning two compartments are replaced. The large majority of partial knee replacements are done for the medial compartment of the knee.
As a treatment option, a partial knee replacement differs from a total knee replacement, because it involves replacement of only the damaged compartments of your knee joint, allowing you to maintain the healthy parts of your knee joint. At David Mayman MD, we perform partial knee replacements utilizing cutting-edge technology, such as robotic and computer-assisted surgery, to help deliver optimal outcomes and help you get back in the game.
When is a partial knee replacement needed?
A partial knee replacement is performed to help alleviate knee pain and restore joint mobility while maintaining healthy bone and cartilage. Your doctor may recommend a partial knee replacement if:
- You are experiencing debilitating knee pain or stiffness that interferes with daily activities
- You are experiencing inflammation, pain, or stiffness of the knee that does not go away with medication
- You are experiencing persistent knee pain, even when resting
- You have a knee deformity, such as a bowed knee
To qualify for a partial knee replacement, only one or two of your three knee compartments must be affected. If all three compartments are affected, a total knee replacement is usually required. While most patients will require a total knee replacement, certain cases may qualify for a partial knee replacement. Speak with your doctor to learn more and to find out if you are an appropriate candidate for a partial knee replacement.
What does a partial knee replacement involve?
A partial knee replacement involves your doctor implanting prosthetic components to replace the damaged surfaces of your knee joint. The surgery usually takes one to two hours and begins with your doctor gently making a small incision at the site of surgery. Your doctor will then “prepare the bone” by removing any damaged cartilage and bone from the affected compartments. Next, your doctor will place the prosthetics where the initial cartilage and bone were. To ensure optimal mobility of the prosthetic pieces, your doctor will position and place a spacer between the prosthetic materials. Once the procedure is complete, your doctor will carefully place all surrounding structures of the knee back in place and gently close the incision. Recovery time after a partial knee replacement surgery will vary from patient to patient, however, most patients are able to walk unassisted three to four weeks after surgery and make a full recovery after four to six months of physical therapy.
What are the benefits of a partial knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement is beneficial because it can alleviate knee pain and restore mobility of the affected knee. In addition, because a partial knee replacement only replaces damaged compartments, it allows for healthy bone structures to remain intact, providing more natural results.
If you are experiencing knee pain that is interfering with your daily activities and are interested in a partial knee replacement, a consultation with an experienced orthopaedic specialist may be the first step towards helping you regain mobility, return to your normal daily activities, and get back in the game. Here, at our practice, Dr. David Mayman provides personalized treatment solutions paired with cutting-edge technology to deliver total patient care and optimal results. Call 212.774.2024 to schedule an appointment.