PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN PLYMOUTH
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult.
A partial knee replacement is an alternative to a total knee replacement for some people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
In a partial knee replacement, also called uni-compartmental replacement, only one compartment of the knee joint is replaced with specially designed components. A partial knee replacement is most commonly performed on active, often younger patients with wear isolated to one compartment of the knee.
What is partial knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement for some people with osteoarthritis limited to a single compartment of the knee.
The knee is divided into three major compartments:
- Medial compartment (the inside part of the knee)
- Lateral compartment (the outside part of the knee)
- Patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone)
About Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
A partial knee replacement operation typically lasts about an hour. Mr Stitson will make a short incision at the front of your knee. He will then examine the three compartments of your knee to verify that the cartilage damage is limited to one compartment and that your ligaments are intact.
This is a final check to confirm that the pre-operative findings are accurate.
If Mr Stitson feels that your knee is unsuitable for a partial knee replacement they may instead perform a total knee replacement. In practice, this is a very rare occurrence, as careful pre-operative planning is usually sufficient to confirm suitability. He will, however, have discussed this contingency plan with you before your operation to make sure you agree with the strategy.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition of articular cartilage within a joint.
Articular cartilage acts to allow the smooth, stable movement of one bone against another at the joint surface. The cartilage also acts as a shock absorber in the joint. When the cartilage begins to break down and become thin, the joint can become inflamed, swollen, painful and stiff. When affecting a major lower limb joint, this often leads to reduced mobility and difficulty with work and leisure activities.
AT A GLANCE
⏰ A partial knee replacement operation takes approximately an hour.
🏨 You will be required to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 nights, however, you may have to stay longer if required. Day case procedures may be appropriate in some cases depending on patient suitability.
💰 Prices start from £16,452 including a pre-assessment, treatment and post-discharge care.
Finance is available through the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION BELOW
Advantages of a Partial Knee Replacement
Most patients who are appropriate candidates for uni-compartmental knee replacement have good results with this procedure.
The advantages of partial knee replacement over total knee replacement include:
- Quicker recovery
- Less pain after surgery
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection and blood clots
Also, because the bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the healthy parts of the knee are preserved, many patients report that a uni-compartmental knee replacement feels more natural than a total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement may allow a better range of movement.
Disadvantages of a Partial Knee Replacement
The disadvantage of partial knee replacement compared with total knee replacement is the potential need for more surgery.
The commonest cause of failure of a partial knee replacement is wear developing in one of both of the remaining compartments. This may lead to the requirement for further surgery to convert to a total knee replacement. The risk of requiring further surgery after partial knee replacement is slightly greater than for total knee replacement.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY...
Mr David Stitson is in Private Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG. He accepts new patient referrals directly from patients, via GP referral, on recommendation from your private medical insurer or via other practitioners including physiotherapists, osteopaths or chiropractors.
Please do get in touch with us to enquire about an appointment or a procedure.
What are the risks of Partial Knee Replacement surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with partial knee replacement. Mr Stitson will discuss each of the risks with you and will take specific measures to help avoid any potential complications.
Although rare, the most common risks include:
- Infection:
Infections can occur at the surgical site or within the joint, requiring additional treatment including antibiotics, or even revision surgery to remove and replace the prosthetic joint. - Blood Clots:
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) can form in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. Mechanical calf compression to encourage blood flow is used in hospitals and blood thing drugs are prescribed post-operatively to help reduce the risk - Bleeding:
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require blood transfusion or other interventions. - Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage:
Damage to blood vessels or nerves around the surgical area can result in complications such as reduced blood flow, numbness, weakness, or pain. - Implant Problems:
Prosthetic knee components may wear out over time, become loose, or fail, leading to pain and the need for revision surgery. Progression of arthritis in the remaining knee can lead to the need to revise to a total knee replacement. - Pain and Stiffness:
Some patients may experience ongoing pain or stiffness in the replaced knee, limiting their range of motion. - Fractures:
During surgery, nearby bones can be accidentally fractured, requiring additional procedures for repair. - Stiffness / Scar Tissue Formation:
Excessive scar tissue formation (arthrofibrosis) around the joint can limit movement and require further treatment. - Limited Improvement:
While most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility after knee replacement, some may not achieve the desired level of improvement. - Anaesthesia Risks:
General anaesthesia carries its own risks, including adverse reactions or complications. Such risks will be described to you by the anaesthetist. - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Risks:
Complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia can arise. The pre-assessment process is designed to pick up those at particular risk.
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, they are relatively uncommon and the majority of knee replacement procedures are successful and lead to improved quality of life.
The decision to undergo partial knee replacement surgery should be based on a thorough discussion between yourself and Mr Stitson, with particular attention given to your individual health status, lifestyle, and the severity of knee joint symptoms.
Mr Stitson will take all necessary precautions to minimise operative risks and will closely monitor your progress during the recovery period, addressing any potential complications promptly.
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