Partial knee replacements are indicated in the same situations as osteotomies but in older patients in whom osteotomies are not recommended. They are also used as an alternative to osteotomies in younger patients who do not want to have the longer rehabilitation process that is the norm after osteotomies. We, however, tend to favour osteotomy in younger patients. For partial knee replacement to be successful, the arthritis has to be truly isolated to one part of the knee. As the procedure does not divide any ligaments, patients tend to recover relatively quickly from this surgery.
Partial medial knee replacement
This technique is used when the inner (medial) side of the knee joint alone is worn out and needs to be replaced in patients in whom all appropriate joint preservation techniques have been exhausted. It is performed through a 7-9 cm mini surgical incision on the inner side of the knee. The fact that a mini-incision is used helps more rapid recovery of movement in the knee. Patients can put full weight through the leg as soon as they are comfortable and more rapid rehabilitation than after a total knee replacement is usual. Patients are usually discharged from hospital after 2-3 days.
If after some years arthritis develops in the other parts of the knee and causes pain from these sites, the partial replacement can be converted to a total replacement.
Partial Patellofemoral replacement
This technique is used when the knee cap joint alone is worn out and needs to be replaced in patients in whom all appropriate joint preservation techniques have been exhausted. It is performed through a similar type, but shorter, surgical incision as a total knee replacement located along the front of the knee joint. Patients rehabilitate more rapidly than after a total knee replacement, but in our experience slightly more slowly than after a partial medial knee replacement. Patients are usually discharged from hospital after 2-3 days.
If after some years arthritis develops in the other parts of the knee and causes pain from these sites, the partial replacement can be converted to a total replacement.