Partial Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Unicondylar Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City

Dr. Paul Jacob is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing unicondylar knee replacement, also called partial knee replacement, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With advanced training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jacob specializes in treating knee arthritis and other conditions affecting the individual compartments of the knee.

When arthritis is limited primarily to one compartment of the knee and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief, partial knee replacement may be an option. Dr. Jacob evaluates the extent of cartilage damage, knee alignment, ligament stability, overall health, and activity goals to determine whether unicondylar knee replacement is appropriate.

Uni condylar Knee Replacement

Unicompartmental knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. It is also called a partial knee replacement. The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the knee cap and thigh bone, medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.

Traditionally, total knee replacement was commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In total knee replacement all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if your arthritis is confined to a single compartment of your knee.

Disease Overview

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects older people. In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint, where as in an arthritic knee the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs”. All of these factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown, however there are a number of factors that are commonly associated with the onset of arthritis and may include:

• Injury or trauma to the joint
• Fractures of the knee joint
• Increased body weight
• Repetitive overuse
• Joint infection
• Inflammation of the joint
• Connective tissue disorders

Symptoms

Arthritis of the knees can cause knee pain, which may increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing, or kneeling.

The joint may become stiff and swollen, limiting the range of motion. Knee deformities such as knock-knees and bow-legs may also occur.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on the medical history, physical examination, and X-rays.

X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee.

Surgical procedure

Your doctor may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy have failed to relieve the symptoms.

During the surgery, a small incision is made over the knee to expose the knee joint. Your surgeon will remove only the damaged part of the meniscus and place the implant into the bone by slightly shaping the shin bone and the thigh bone. The plastic component is placed into the new prepared area and is secured with bone cement. Now the damaged part of the femur or thigh bone is removed to accommodate the new metal component which is fixed in place using bone cement. Once the femoral and tibial components are fixed in proper place the knee is taken through a range of movements. The muscles and tendons are then repaired and the incision is closed.

Post-Operative Care

You may walk with the help of a walker or cane for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist will advise you on an exercise program to follow for 4 to 6 months to help maintain range of motion and restore your strength. You may perform exercises such as walking, swimming and biking but high impact activities such as jogging should be avoided.

Risks and Complications

Possible risks and complications associated with unicompartmental knee replacement include:

• Knee stiffness
• Infection
• Blood clots(Deep vein thrombosis)
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Ligament injuries
• Patella (kneecap) dislocation
• Plastic liner wears out
• Loosening of the implant

Advantages

The advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement over Total Knee Replacement include:

• Smaller incision
• Less blood loss
• Quick recovery
• Less post-operative pain
• Better overall range of motion
• Feels more like a natural knee

Why Choose Dr. Paul Jacob for Unicondylar Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City?

Dr. Paul Jacob is a Cleveland Clinic-trained adult reconstruction specialist whose practice focuses on hip and knee reconstruction. His expertise includes partial and total knee replacement, revision joint replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and outpatient joint replacement for appropriately selected patients.

Because partial knee replacement treats only the damaged portion of the knee, careful patient selection and surgical planning are important. Dr. Jacob evaluates each patient's knee condition and develops an individualized treatment plan based on the location and severity of arthritis and the patient's functional goals.

Patients considering unicondylar knee replacement in Oklahoma City may benefit from:

• Fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic
• Dedicated focus on hip and knee reconstruction
• Experience with partial and total knee replacement
• Minimally invasive techniques when appropriate
• Robotic-assisted knee replacement options when appropriate
• Individualized treatment and recovery planning

Unicondylar Knee Replacement FAQs

Unicondylar Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City

If arthritis affecting one compartment of your knee is causing persistent pain and limiting your mobility, Dr. Paul Jacob provides specialized unicondylar knee replacement in Oklahoma City. His Cleveland Clinic training and focus on adult reconstruction allow him to evaluate whether partial knee replacement or another treatment option is best suited to your condition.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Paul Jacob in Oklahoma City to learn whether unicondylar knee replacement may help relieve your knee pain and improve your mobility. Patients from Edmond, Norman, and surrounding Oklahoma communities can receive personalized knee replacement care and guidance throughout treatment and recovery.