The surgeons at Town Center Orthopaedics may recommend partial knee replacement if you suffer from severe pain from arthritis involving an isolated portion of the knee that has not improved with conservative treatment and pain management techniques such as steroid injections.

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage surface degenerates, and bone spurs may develop. Over time, the knee may become painful. If arthritis involves only one compartment of the knee, you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement surgery. The goal of surgery is to restore a pain-free range of motion and walking.

Total knee replacement may be necessary when arthritis or traumatic damage affects multiple compartments of the knee, and conservative treatments don’t reduce pain or restore mobility. In this surgery, the damaged surface of the knee is removed and replaced with a metal and plastic implant that restores the knee’s anatomy.

When osteoarthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee, only the damaged portion needs to be replaced. In this case, partial knee replacement may be the superior option. Partial knee replacement surgery preserves function and range of motion better than a total replacement. Additionally, partial knee replacement recovery is normally quick and relatively painless, often taking less than half the recovery time of a total knee replacement.

During partial knee replacement surgery, the damaged bone surface is removed and replaced with an implant that restores the knee’s anatomy. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments are maintained, allowing for a more normal feeling knee. During the procedure, the surgeon ensures that the knee is functioning correctly. The surgery generally lasts about one and a half hours.

Most patients can be discharged home on the day of surgery and do not require overnight hospital admission. While the recovery duration can vary, patients usually ambulate with a walker for 1-2 weeks, and then transition to a cane for another 1-2 weeks.

Physical therapy after surgery focuses on your range of motion and strengthening. The surgeons and physical therapists at Town Center Orthopaedics work together to help patients achieve successful results.

To determine if you are a candidate for partial knee replacement or to schedule your appointment, call Town Center Orthopaedics any time at (703) 435-6604, or book online today.