When damage caused by arthritis is limited to one part, or compartment, of the knee, partial knee replacement may be a good, less invasive option with faster recovery.
The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute is led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, a nationally renowned total joint surgeon who has over 17 years of surgical experience and participates in orthopaedic research to improve surgical techniques and improve outcomes for patients. The board certified hip and knee replacement surgeons at the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute are well versed in partial knee surgeries. We do a lot of these specialized surgeries, and our research on how “An Experienced Surgeon Can Meet or Exceed Robotic Accuracy in Manual Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty” was published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery .
Our dedicated hip and knee replacement team follows each patient through their experience ─ from evaluation, to surgery, through recovery. We treat everyone the same way we would treat our own family, taking the time to explain the benefits of surgical techniques, computer assisted technologies and outpatient surgery options.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.
Why Choose Partial Knee Replacement?
The knee is divided into three sections called compartments: the inner, or medial compartment; the outer, or lateral compartment; and the front, patellofemoral compartment.
- If damage is limited to only one compartment, a partial knee replacement will only replace the damaged portion and leave healthy bone and cartilage intact.
- Partial knee replacement benefits include less blood loss, less pain after surgery, and quicker recovery times.
- Many patients report that a partial knee replacement feels more like a natural knee because the healthy part of the joint is left intact.
While partial knee replacement can be a great option, if arthritis later damages other compartments of the knee, a total knee replacement may be necessary.
Am I a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
- Candidates for any joint replacement surgery will generally have advanced arthritis or an injury that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment, including anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or physical therapy.
- Pain and stiffness may be so bad that it interferes with everyday activities.
- Arthritis damage must be limited to only one compartment of the knee to be eligible for a partial knee replacement.
- Patients with inflammatory, rheumatoid arthritis, may not be good candidates for this procedure.
- A total knee replacement is recommended for patients with ligament damage or severe stiffness in the knee.
Partial Knee Replacement Procedure
- Before we proceed with a partial knee replacement, we will explore all compartments of the knee to confirm that damage is limited to just one section.
- Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons use special instruments to remove the damaged cartilage from the compartment of the knee that needs to be replaced.
- After cartilage is removed from the damaged compartment, the ends of the bone are resurfaced with metal components.
- A plastic spacer is inserted between the components to allow the newly resurfaced compartment to glide smoothly.
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons use the same setup ─ including equipment, team, technology, and implants ─ to do partial knee replacements procedures in either an ambulatory surgery center or a hospital setting, where patients can stay overnight if necessary.
Our team considers medical condition, home situation, and social support factors to determine if a patient will be able to go home the day of surgery.
Recovering from Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement often requires a smaller incision and is less invasive than a total knee replacement. Reduced pain and swelling can make recovery easier.
- After surgery, you will most likely be able to go home the same day, after our outpatient surgery team clears you to return home safely with clear instructions.
- Physical therapy and exercise are critical.
- You will begin working with a physical therapist soon after surgery and begin moving your knee to prevent stiffness.
- You may need to use an assistive device like a walker, cane, or crutches to get around for the first few days or weeks, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within three to six weeks.
- Pain medication can help manage pain during physical therapy.
Partial Knee Replacement in Indiana
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons, led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, have extensive experience in partial knee replacements, and have published research on how “An Experienced Surgeon Can Meet or Exceed Robotic Accuracy in Manual Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty” in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Our hip and knee replacement team includes specially trained medical support specialists who assess and follow a patient’s progress from the initial evaluation to procedure, discharge and recovery.
All of our surgeons, who are board certified and fellowship trained in hip and knee replacement, value character, integrity, and perspective as much as technical skill, and we are committed to treating each patient as if they are a member of our own family.
To schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.