Unicondylar knee replacement, also known as partial knee replacement, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It is performed when only one compartment of the knee joint is damaged, typically due to localized osteoarthritis. Unlike total knee replacement, this procedure preserves healthy parts of the knee, allowing for a quicker recovery and more natural knee function.
This surgery is recommended for patients who have damage confined to one part of the knee, with the remaining joint being healthy. Non-surgical treatments may not be sufficient, making unicondylar knee replacement an ideal option to restore knee function with less trauma to surrounding tissues.
During the procedure, the surgeon replaces only the damaged portion of the knee with a prosthetic component, leaving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact. This approach helps in maintaining the natural motion of the knee. The steps involved are:
Unicondylar knee replacement is an excellent option for patients with localized knee damage, offering faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and improved knee function compared to total knee replacement.
