Who is a candidate for Partial knee replacement?
Persistent knee pain can severely limit your ability to move and enjoy life fully. If traditional treatments fail to alleviate your discomfort, exploring the option of partial knee replacement surgery may be worthwhile.
But is it the right option for you? This blog delves into partial knee replacement, exploring who is a candidate for partial knee replacement procedure and its potential benefits.
What is a Partial Knee Replacement?
Who is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
Surgeons assess individual circumstances to determine candidacy for partial knee replacement surgery. Primary considerations for this surgery include:
- Ineffectiveness of conservative treatments.
- Arthritis affects only one part of the knee.
Traditional criteria for candidacy include:
- Age younger than 60 years.
- Healthy weight.
- Low physical activity level.
- Relatively good knee condition (intact ligaments, minimal pain at rest, etc.).
- Absence of inflammatory arthritis or significant knee stiffness.
Evolving surgical techniques prompt a reevaluation of traditional indications.
Morbid obesity may increase the likelihood of revision surgery but does not necessarily lead to more complications or inferior outcomes. The orthopedic surgeon and the patient make the decision for partial knee replacement.
The Oxford Criteria, focusing on specific knee problems like anteromedial osteoarthritis or avascular osteonecrosis, provides a more relaxed criterion for candidacy.
Strict contraindications for partial knee replacement include active infection, inflammatory disease, or a history of high tibial osteotomy.
Only a few patients meet traditional criteria. Up to 50% may qualify using the more relaxed Oxford criteria.
Ultimately, the patient and surgeon jointly decide if partial knee replacement is the most suitable treatment option.
Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement
If you’re a good candidate for partial knee replacement, you can potentially experience several benefits, including:
- Reduced Pain: By replacing the damaged portion of the joint, partial knee replacement significantly reduces pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
- Preserved Bone and Ligaments: Partial knee replacement preserves healthy bone and ligaments, leading to a more natural feeling knee than a total knee replacement.
- Faster Recovery: Partial knee replacement often boasts a swifter recovery period compared to total knee replacement, enabling a quicker return to daily activities.
- Improved Mobility: Reduced pain and stiffness translate to enhanced mobility and flexibility in your knee joint.
- Smaller Incision: Partial knee replacement requires a smaller incision, leading to less tissue disruption and potentially quicker healing.
Recovery time for Partial knee replacement
One of the benefits of partial knee replacement surgery is typically a faster recovery than total knee replacement.
Typically, patients can anticipate returning to light activities approximately six weeks post-surgery, while complete recovery is typically attained within a span of three to six months.
However, individual recovery times may vary based on overall health, adherence to rehabilitation exercises, and the extent of pre-existing knee damage.
In summary, partial knee replacement surgery presents a viable option for those with localized knee arthritis affecting a specific knee joint compartment. This procedure targets the damaged area while preserving healthy tissue and ligaments, aiming to reduce pain and improve function. If you’re experiencing persistent knee issues, consulting with Dr. Rik Kundra in Dubai can help determine if partial knee replacement suits you.
Choose Dr. Rik Kundra for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai
Specializing in knee surgery, Dr. Rik Kundra in Dubai concentrates on preserving joints and performing biologic knee reconstruction.
He treats various knee conditions, including arthritis, utilizing conservative options whenever possible. With expertise in minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Rik is committed to enhancing patient recovery and outcomes.
He actively contributes to surgical education and research, collaborating with orthopedic companies and presenting at national and international conferences.
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
