The first successful Knee Replacement surgery was performed way back in 1968. Surgical techniques and instrumentation has evolved ever since, increasing the efficacy of the procedure and making it a viable option for a growing number of patients.
Known as Knee Arthroplasty in medical parlance, Knee Replacement is more accurately termed as knee Resurfacing because only the damaged surface of the bones are actually being removed and replaced with man-made implants known as prosthesis. The knee ligaments and unaffected cartilage are left intact.
Fundamentally, there are two types of knee replacements: Total Knee Replacement and Partial Knee Replacement. Those who require Total Knee Replacement usually have been affected by arthritis / injury / deformity on the lateral side of the knee, medial side and below the knee cap. However, those who have arthritis / injury limited to only one side of the knee often the medial or lateral side – are ideal candidates for Partial Knee Replacement. More information on Total Knee Replacement is being dealt with in detail in another article on this website.
Partial Knee Replacement is an innovative surgical technique that makes a much smaller incision than Total Knee Replacement, significantly decreasing the amount of post-operative pain and shortening the rehabilitation phase. As mentioned earlier, this surgery is required only by those who need to replace one side of their knee that has been injured or damaged by arthritis.
The surgical procedure may be performed under epidural, spinal or general anesthesia and begins with a well-positioned 3 to 5 length skin incision being made down the front of the knee. After examining the knee joint, the affected surface of the bone is removed and replaced with prosthesis. The area is then thoroughly cleaned with saline solution and the replaced components are cemented into place with polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. The surgical incision is then stitched into place.
Partial Knee Replacement is not advisable for everyone and should be decided upon only after a thorough consultation and evaluation by a reputed orthopaedic surgeon. If you wish to know more about Partial Knee Replacement surgery, feel free to schedule an appointment with Indias leading Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Dr. S. V. Santpure.
