Unicondylar Knee Replacement

Unicondylar knee prostheses are implants that involve the partial replacement of a deteriorated knee joint. They comprise a plastic spacer positioned between two metallic surfaces. The plastic spacer may be either mobile or fixed, depending on the surgeon's preference. Various configurations exist for the inner and outer components of the prosthesis. This technique specifically targets the damaged section of the knee, without involving the other half of the knee joint or its associated ligaments.

In Which Patients Should Unicondylar Knee Prosthesis Be Preferred?

Various prerequisites are essential for the undertaking of unicondylar knee replacement surgery.

Unicondylar prostheses are typically favored for individuals exhibiting localized joint degeneration within the knee. The degeneration should be confined to a specific region, primarily affecting the articular cartilage, while the menisci, cruciate ligaments, and lateral ligaments remain untouched. Moreover, any existing knee deformities, such as inward or outward curvature, must be amenable to correction upon evaluation.

What are the Advantages of Unicondylar Knee Prosthesis?

• Compared to total knee prosthesis, the knee can be intervened with a smaller incision.
• Lower risk of infection
• The postoperative recovery period is faster and less painful. Gaining knee range of motion and restoring muscle strength will take less time.
• Post-surgery patients feel their knee more normal. This is because the ligaments and menisci of the knee are protected and the cartilage is intact, except for the replaced surface.

How many hours does Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery Take?

When this surgery is performed by experienced people and as a team, it can be completed in half an hour or 1 hour.

What is the Success Rate in Partial Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery?

The paramount factor for success in unicompartmental knee replacement surgery lies in the meticulous assessment of the patient's candidacy for the procedure. Additional determinants encompass the proficiency of the surgeon, the caliber of the prosthesis to be utilized, and the adequacy of the surgical environment..

When does Walking Start after Partial Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery?

The postoperative phase brings the surgeon great satisfaction. Patients can commence walking with full weight bearing on the day of surgery or the following day. The use of crutches is recommended for a mere 1-2 weeks. In contrast to total knee replacement surgery, the recovery period for patients returning to their normal daily routines is remarkably swift. Partial knee replacement surgery spares adjacent tissues from interference, focusing solely on the damaged cartilage.

What Activities can the Patient do After Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery?

After undergoing a unicondylar prosthesis procedure, individuals can engage in non-impact and non-forceful activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and squatting as part of their daily routine. It is advisable to participate in low-impact sports like swimming, cycling, golf, and bowling. However, high-impact sports such as football, volleyball, tennis, and basketball that involve sudden movements and jumping should be avoided. The rationale behind avoiding activities that exert significant force is to mitigate the risk of premature wear and loosening of the prosthesis.