Do I Need to Replace My Whole Knee? Understanding Your Options
If knee pain is limiting your daily activities, you’ve probably wondered whether surgery might be the answer. The good news is that not all knee problems require total knee replacement. Partial knee replacement could be the targeted solution you need to get back to living pain-free.
Ready to explore your options? Contact CMC Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donovan Johnson and discover if partial knee replacement is right for you.
Understanding Partial Knee Replacement
Think of your knee as a three-compartment house. Your knee has three main sections:
- The inner (medial) compartment
- The outer (lateral) compartment
- The kneecap (patellofemoral) compartment
When arthritis or injury affects only one of these “rooms,” you don’t need to renovate the entire house. Partial knee replacement, also called Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA), allows surgeons to replace only the damaged compartment.
This targeted approach preserves your healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. The result? A more natural-feeling knee with faster recovery compared to total knee replacement.
Signs You May Need Partial Knee Replacement
Wondering if your knee pain warrants surgical intervention? Here are key indicators that partial knee replacement might be appropriate:
Pain Patterns:
- Persistent pain on one side of your knee (inner or outer)
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Night pain that disrupts your sleep
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
Activity Limitations:
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Trouble getting up from chairs
- Reduced walking distance due to knee pain
- Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
Failed Conservative Treatment:
- Physical therapy hasn’t provided lasting relief
- Anti-inflammatory medications no longer help
- Steroid injections provide only temporary relief
- Weight loss and lifestyle modifications haven’t resolved the pain
Don’t let knee pain control your life. Early evaluation can help determine the best treatment approach and potentially prevent more extensive surgery later.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Partial knee replacement isn’t suitable for everyone, but you might be an ideal candidate if you have:
Localized Arthritis:
- Damage limited to one compartment of your knee
- X-rays showing arthritis in a specific area
- Relatively healthy cartilage in other knee compartments
Good Bone Quality:
- Adequate bone density to support the implant
- No significant bone loss or deformity
- Stable bone structure
Intact Ligaments:
- Functioning ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
- Stable collateral ligaments
- Good overall knee stability
Realistic Expectations:
- Understanding that partial replacement relieves pain but may not restore completely normal function
- Commitment to post-surgical rehabilitation
- Willingness to modify high-impact activities
Age and Activity Level:
- Any age, though most commonly performed in patients over 50
- Active individuals who want to maintain their lifestyle
- Those seeking to delay or avoid total knee replacement
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
Understanding the difference between partial and total knee replacement can help you make an informed decision:
Partial Knee Replacement:
- Smaller incision (3-4 inches vs. 6-8 inches)
- Shorter surgery time (1-2 hours vs. 2-3 hours)
- Faster recovery (weeks vs. months)
- More natural knee feel
- Preservation of healthy tissue
- Same-day or overnight hospital stay
Total Knee Replacement:
- Larger incision and more extensive surgery
- Longer recovery period
- Hospital stay of 2-3 days typically
- Complete joint replacement
- May be necessary when multiple compartments are affected
The goal is always to use the least invasive procedure that will effectively address your specific condition with the best possible outcome being the leading priority.
The Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Modern partial knee replacement has been revolutionized by robotic assistance. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution at Conway Medical Center offers several advantages:
Enhanced Precision:
- Real-time data collection during surgery
- Customized implant placement based on your unique anatomy
- More accurate bone cuts and positioning
Improved Outcomes:
- Better implant fit and alignment
- Potentially longer-lasting results
- Reduced risk of complications
Patient Benefits:
- Smaller incisions
- Less tissue trauma
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Faster recovery times
- Earlier return to activities
Advanced Features:
- No pre-operative CT scan required
- Reduced radiation exposure
- Personalized surgical planning
- Real-time surgical guidance
Robotic assistance represents the cutting edge of knee replacement surgery, offering precision that can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery.
The VELYS system enhances rather than replaces surgical expertise. The technology can be compared to driving a car with an advanced navigation system—the surgeon maintains complete control over every aspect of the procedure, including direction, pace, and precision. The robotic system serves as an intelligent guide, helping navigate each patient’s unique anatomy to achieve optimal outcomes including reduced pain, faster recovery, and precise implant placement. This enhanced precision contributes to improved patient satisfaction and longer-lasting implant performance.
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery from partial knee replacement is typically faster and easier than total knee replacement:
Day of Surgery:
- Many patients go home the same day
- Walking begins within hours of surgery
- Physical therapy starts immediately
First Few Weeks:
- Gradual increase in activity
- Physical therapy 2-3 times per week
- Most daily activities can be resumed within days
Return to Work:
- Desk jobs: 1-2 weeks
- Physical jobs: 6-8 weeks
- Your specific timeline depends on your job requirements
Full Recovery:
- Most patients feel significant improvement within 6-12 weeks
- Complete healing takes 3-6 months
- Many return to recreational activities like golf, swimming, and hiking
Activities You Can Enjoy After Recovery:
- Walking and hiking
- Swimming
- Golf
- Bowling
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Doubles tennis
Activities to Avoid:
- Running or jogging
- Singles tennis
- High-impact aerobics
- Contact sports
- Heavy lifting
Advanced Training:
- Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery
- Extensive experience with robotic-assisted procedures
Comprehensive Approach:
- Thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for partial knee replacement
- Discussion of all treatment options, from conservative to surgical
- Personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs and goals
Cutting-Edge Technology:
- Access to the latest robotic-assisted surgical techniques
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities
- Commitment to staying current with orthopedic advances
Patient-Centered Care:
- Clear communication about your condition and treatment options
- Support throughout your recovery journey
- Focus on getting you back to the activities you love
Don’t wait for knee pain to worsen. Early intervention with partial knee replacement can preserve more of your natural knee and provide better long-term outcomes.
Take control of your knee pain today. If you’re experiencing persistent knee discomfort that’s affecting your quality of life, partial knee replacement with robotic assistance might be the solution you’ve been seeking.
Contact CMC Orthopaedics at 843-347-8041 or request an appointment to schedule your consultation with Dr. Donovan Johnson. Discover how advanced partial knee replacement techniques can help you get back to living without limits.
Key Takeaways:
- Partial knee replacement treats arthritis in one compartment while preserving healthy tissue
- Ideal candidates have localized damage, good bone quality, and stable ligaments
- Robotic assistance offers enhanced precision and potentially faster recovery
- Early intervention can prevent the need for total knee replacement
- Dr. Johnson at CMC Orthopaedics specializes in advanced robotic-assisted techniques
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Unicompartmental Knee Replacement,” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/unicompartmental-knee-replacement/
DePuy Synthes, “Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation: Your Questions Answered,” Patient Education Materials, https://p1.aprimocdn.net/jjamp/en/depuy-synthes/sales-brochures/122483-146184.pdf
