Knee pain can be all-consuming and detrimental to your quality of life. If you have chronic knee pain that doesn’t improve with nonsurgical methods, a partial knee replacement could help get you moving. Partial knee surgery preserves healthy bones and tissues in your knee, meaning a better range of motion. Even better, partial knee replacement is the same-day discharge Oklahoma City procedure, meaning you can go home after surgery. Here is a simple description of partial knee replacement.

What is partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement is an operative procedure with knee damage causing pain and loss of mobility. It is also an alternative to total knee replacement for some people with knee osteoarthritis. Your provider may recommend this procedure when damage is confined in a particular knee compartment. For this procedure, only the damaged parts are replaced with a prosthesis; healthy bones and tissues are left intact.

Initially, partial knee replacement was reserved for older patients who weren’t so much active. But now, younger people can benefit from this procedure since their recovery is faster and less painful.

Partial knee replacement versus total knee replacement

The decision between a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement is a challenging and significant one. Your surgeon can help determine the best procedure for you, but understanding the differences and similarities will guide you in making an informed decision.

For a partial knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged joint parts, usually confined to one of the three compartments of the joints. The sections will then be replaced with plastic, ceramic, or metal. These artificial parts will work together with the original healthy parts to provide pain-free joint use and increase mobility.

On the other hand, a total knee replacement involves the removal of the entire joint and replacing it with plastic, metal, or ceramic part. This procedure is also more invasive and therefore has a longer recovery time than a partial knee replacement.

What are the risks?

Operative procedures are associated with health risks, and partial knee replacement is no exception. The procedure poses the risk of an infection at the surgical site, blood clots, and injury to nerves or blood vessels. Your knee joint may also feel stiff after surgery, and in the long term, you may experience failure or loosening of the prosthesis. Some patients also experienced persistent pain despite the surgery.

What is recovery like after surgery?

Most patients go home after surgery, but sometimes you may stay at the health facility for a day or two. Your knee may feel sore but not as painful as a total knee replacement. A physical therapist will help you mobilize your knee for two to four weeks after discharge. As you recover, you may need to take some medication to prevent blood clot formation.

Like with most surgeries, you will need someone to help you at home during the first few days of your recovery. You can do some light walking but with the assistance of a walker or a cane. Most patients resume normal activities within six to eight weeks but with some restrictions. For example, you are to avoid impact exercises like jogging or running so that the replacement bearing doesn’t wear out.

If you have chronic knee pain, consult your Mitchell Hip and Knee surgeon to discuss your treatment options.