Partial Knee Replacement in Wake County
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgical procedure for patients with localized knee damage. The knee is comprised of three compartments, including the medial (inner side), lateral (outer side), and patellofemoral (front) components. Unlike total knee replacement, a partial knee replacement only resurfaces the damaged compartment of the knee, preserving the patient’s healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. For eligible patients, this approach leads to more natural knee function and shorter recovery time compared to more invasive interventions. By addressing the specific area of the knee that is damaged, partial knee replacement can help alleviate pain, restore function and mobility, and allow you to get back to doing the things you love. At Raleigh Orthopaedic, we are proud to offer this and other advanced surgical techniques to help patients move past knee pain. Learn more about partial knee replacement and the comprehensive orthopedic care we provide in Wake County below.
Indications for Partial Knee Replacement
When you meet with a Raleigh Orthopaedic specialist to discuss your knee symptoms, they will determine whether surgery is the best next step for you. Our doctors pursue nonsurgical treatment techniques before considering surgery, ensuring that each patient feels comfortable with their care plan every step of the way. If conservative treatment methods have not succeeded in addressing your symptoms, surgery may be considered. Patients who are a good candidate for partial knee replacement generally experience:
- Localized damage: Arthritis affecting a specific compartment of the knee (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral).
- Good mobility: Minimal knee stiffness and intact supporting ligaments.
- Ineffectiveness of conservative treatments: Continued symptoms despite comprehensive non-surgical management, such as physical therapy, injections, or bracing.
Patients with advanced arthritis or significant damage affecting multiple compartments of the knee are typically not candidates for partial knee replacement. These individuals may require an alternative surgical solution, such as total knee replacement.
What are the Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement?
For those with damage that is limited to just one area of the knee, partial knee replacement provides several benefits as opposed to total knee replacement. The procedure is less invasive, allowing for a faster recovery, reduced pain, and better retention of natural knee function. In addition to these main benefits, some other key advantages of partial knee replacement include:
- Shorter surgical time and reduced anesthesia requirements
- Less post-operative swelling and discomfort
- Lower risk of complications due to minimal tissue disruption
- Preservation of healthy knee structures, ensuring better long-term knee health
- Quicker return to daily activities, including exercise and sports
Partial Knee Replacement at Raleigh Orthopaedic
As a leading orthopedic practice in Wake County, Raleigh Orthopaedic is dedicated to providing cutting-edge surgical care to each of our patients. Our team of fellowship-trained surgeons combines years of experience with a commitment to superior service, safety, and satisfaction. We are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients, focusing on tailored knee care that prioritizes your individual needs. If your doctor believes that partial knee replacement may be right for you, they will ensure that you have all the information you need to support a successful outcome and recovery.
Preparation is key to a smooth surgical experience. Before your procedure, you’ll meet with your surgeon to review your medical history and imaging results, as well as finalize your individual treatment plan. Our team will also provide instructions on adjusting your daily routine before your appointment. This will include reviewing suggested lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, and other preparations you should take before your partial knee replacement. Your care team will let you know when you should begin fasting before your procedure. Low-impact exercises can also help control your joint pain while you strengthen and condition your body before surgery.
Partial knee replacement is performed using either general or regional anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the specifics of your procedure and your personal medical history. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision to access the damaged compartment of the knee. The worn cartilage and bone are carefully removed, and the affected area is resurfaced with a metal or plastic prosthetic implant to restore proper knee function. This minimally invasive approach is precise, effective, and efficient, typically lasting anywhere from one to two hours. Our surgical team performs partial knee replacement for eligible patients at our outpatient surgery centers in Panther Creek and Raleigh, NC.
Post-operative care following partial knee replacement focuses on pain management, wound healing, and overall recovery and rehabilitation. Pain is controlled with anti-inflammatory medications, while physical therapy starts early with gentle exercises to improve mobility and prevent stiffness in the knee area. As recovery progresses, therapy intensifies to restore full function to the knee joint and help you get back to doing the things you love. Most patients return home the same day and can resume light activities in two to four weeks, with a full return to normal routines four to six weeks after surgery. We encourage our patients to be active participants in their recovery, leaning on both the members of our team and their own friends and family throughout the healing process.
Total Joint Specialists at Raleigh Orthopaedic
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our total joint specialists are dedicated to providing personalized care for patients facing all types of joint conditions and injuries, including those affecting the knee. Using advanced techniques and the latest medical technologies, we successfully address knee pain in patients of all ages, from young athletes with acute knee injuries to older individuals who have faced arthritis pain for years. Meet our dedicated total joint specialists in Wake County below and contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Comprehensive Knee and Joint Care in NC at Raleigh Orthopaedic
Raleigh Orthopaedic is proud to be Wake County’s leading provider of total joint care, delivering exceptional symptom relief and restoring mobility for patients with knee and other joint conditions. Our total joint specialists are committed to helping patients regain mobility and return to their daily activities with less pain. Whether you’re dealing with localized knee damage or considering surgical intervention to alleviate your knee pain, Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to provide the specialized care you need. We encourage you to schedule an appointment online or call your nearest Raleigh Orthopaedic location to start your journey towards better knee health today.