Hugh Blackley Unicompartmental Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Unicompartmental Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

Knee joint replacement surgery may be total where both sides of the knee joint are replaced, or uni-compartmental where only one side of the knee joint is replaced. The procedure is performed by separating muscles and ligaments around the knee to expose the knee capsule, and then the inside of the joint.

Knee replacement is surgery for people with severe knee damage. Knee replacement can relieve pain and allow you to be more active. Your doctor may recommend it if you have knee pain and medicine and other treatments are not helping you anymore

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure to replace one of the knee’s three parts (thighbone, shinbone, or kneecap) to restore function. Because only part of the damaged knee is replaced, it is often called a partial knee replacement.

Unicompartmental Knee Joint Replacement Operation

If arthritis affects only one side of your knee – usually the inner side – it may be possible to have a half-knee or unicompartmental replacement (sometimes called hemiarthroplasty) (see Figure 4). The unicompartmental operation is only suitable for about 1 in 4 people with osteoarthritis. This is a less extensive operation than a total knee replacement and should therefore mean a quicker recovery. In general, this type of joint provides better mobility than a total knee replacement although it is more likely that another operation will be needed within 10 years than with a total knee replacement. If a second operation is needed it would be a total rather than another unicompartmental replacement

There are several different kinds of knee replacement operations as well as many different designs for the parts or implants (prostheses) used. There are also alternative surgical options. Your doctor and surgeon should help you to choose the best solution for you, taking into account the condition of your knee and your general health. In making your decision, you may want to ask for information about the long-term outcomes of a particular operation or a particular design of implant. Knowing that the option you choose has been successfully tried and tested over a reasonable period should give you peace of mind.

Further Information Knee Replacement Surgery

If you have any queries on Knee Joint Replacement Surgery please do not hesitate to contact Dr Hugh Blackley's practice rooms during office hours on 09 522 2980