During the replacement of the knee, the damaged bone and tissue are resurfaced by the new prosthesis which has been damaged by any disease affecting the knee. In some cases, the knee damage is not so extensive and affects only a part of the knee. So, surgeons resurface only that damaged part instead of the whole knee, which we called Partial Knee Replacement Surgery or unicompartmental knee replacement. Partial knee replacement is a less complicated surgery which involves smaller incisions and less damage to surrounding tissue and bones. It makes it easier for the patients to recover soon with less pain and greater mobility. However, not all patients are suitable for partial knee replacement surgery. For example, the people with extensive damage of the knee and surrounding tissues cannot be treated with partial knee replacement and often need total knee replacement. Like any other surgery, it also carries some complications. So, proper post-operative care is necessary to speed up the recovery process. Although partial knee replacement has an advantage of speedy recovery with less pain, partial knee replacement has some disadvantage of requiring a new surgery in future. Because the bone part which is not replaced can develop the disease and may require a new surgery for the treatment. It is not the risk in case of total knee replacement.
There are different types of partial knee replacements based on the specific compartments of the knee being replaced. The three main types are:
In this procedure, the damaged inner part of the knee joint, which is known as the medial compartment, is replaced with the damaged part. This replacement procedure includes a metal component for the thigh bone and a plastic component for the shinbone.
This type of partial knee replacement involves replacing the outer part of the knee joint which has been damaged, known as the lateral unicompartmental knee replacement. It includes a metal component for the thigh bone and a plastic component for the shin bone but from the outer side.
Patellofemoral is the joint between the kneecap and the thigh bone. The damaged surfaces of both the kneecap and the groove on the thigh bone are replaced with metal and plastic components, respectively.
The choice of each type of partial knee replacement depends on several factors, including the extent and location of knee damage, the patient's condition of the bone, and overall knee function. The orthopedic surgeon makes the final decision on the type of partial knee replacement according to each individual assessment of the patient.
Pre-operative assessment: the surgeons perform the screening tests on patients and correlate it with the medical history and physical examination. Then a decision is made for performing a particular type of partial knee replacement surgery.
The patient is given anesthesia, which makes the patient either unconscious or makes the lower body numb.
A small incision, typically about 3 to 4 inches long, is made over the knee joint to access the area of the knee which is damaged.
The damaged tissues and bone from the affected area are removed by some special instruments and spare the healthy bone. The bone surfaces are reshaped for the prosthesis implant.
The artificial components of the metal thigh bone and shin bone along with a plastic spacer are replaced to the prepared bone surfaces.
Once the components are in place, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or may apply a dressing to prevent any infection.
The patient is taken to a recovery area and monitored closely. Painkillers are given to reduce the pain after surgery. Physical therapy and exercises will begin within 2-3 days after surgery. It helps in early mobility and strengthening of the knee joint.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in India is much cheaper than in other countries, including developed nations. The cost of the surgery in India ranges from approximately $2,200 to $4,500 that makes it an affordable option for patients. However, the cost may vary according to patients’ condition and it also may vary in different cities of India.
Cost of partial knee replacement in different cities of India:
Treatment Cities in India | Min in Dollar | Max in Dollar |
New Delhi | $ 2160 | $ 3960 |
Mumbai | $ 2280 | $ 4080 |
Chennai | $ 2580 | $ 4380 |
Bangalore | $ 2400 | $ 4200 |
Hyderabad | $ 2880 | $ 4680 |
Here are some specific conditions or diseases that may require partial knee replacement:
While it is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for certain individuals, there are still some potential risk factors associated with partial knee replacement. These risk factors include:
Like any surgical procedure, partial knee replacement also has a risk of infection. Although it can be treated with medications but in severe conditions a new surgery is required with new prosthesis.
Blood clot formation in the veins of the lung is a major risk factor after surgery. It can also travel to the lungs and cause severe complications. So it is important to take medications for preventing blood clot formation.
Sometimes implants can displace and may cause damage in the knee joint which can lead to severe complications. In some cases, a revision surgery is required for treatment.
During surgery, there is a small risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels in the surrounding area. This can lead to numbness, pain, weakness, or circulation problems in the affected side of the body.
Sometimes the poor circulation and mobility can cause severe pain in the knee joint. The lack of motion in the joint makes the surrounding muscles stiff which can lead to activity limitations.
The infections and poor circulation in the joint can make it difficult to heal the wound completely. They may cause severe complications and delay the recovery.
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