Knee pain often makes ordinary tasks extremely difficult. There are a variety of possible causes of knee pain — and arthritis is one of the most common. Fortunately, if you are having knee pain, partial knee replacement could be a viable option to bring you much needed relief.
Surgery can be terrifying, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know about partial knee replacement, how it works, and how to prepare for it.
What Is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive procedure where the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic. The prosthetic is usually made of plastic or metal, but it can vary depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Partial knee replacement is performed when only one side of the knee is damaged. Since it’s intended for localized damage, healthy cartilage and bones remain intact.
The ideal candidates for partial knee replacement are fairly healthy individuals with partially damaged knee joints. The procedure is done for the following reasons:
- To eliminate chronic pain
- To allow ease of motion
- To perform daily activities with ease
- To return to work, sports, or leisure activities
- To give patients freedom and good quality of life once again
What Are The Benefits Of Partial Knee Replacement?
Not having to replace the entire knee joint effectively minimizes possible damage or disruption to surrounding structures in the knee. Here are other benefits of partial knee replacement:
- Smaller incision
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay, if any
- Faster rehabilitation and recovery
- Improved knee function and range of motion
- Preservation of healthy bones and ligaments
- More natural feeling knee
- Fewer complications
- Pain relief
How Can You Prepare For Partial Knee Replacement?
Many patients might feel stress or fear leading up to the day of surgery. Knowing how to prepare for partial knee replacement can keep you calm and set you up for success. Let’s go over some of the steps you can take to prepare for your surgery:
- Inform your doctor about the medicines and supplements that you take. You may be required to stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Shower or bathe with a special soap the night before and the morning of your surgery to reduce bacteria on your skin that may cause infection.
- Arrange for a ride home on the day of surgery.
- Prepare your home with the following:
- Create a three ft. wide walking path around your furniture.
- Clear tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, clutter, etc.
- Place everyday items you’ll need within easy reach, or get a grabbing device to help pick up and reach for items.
- Add safety rails to your bathroom.
- Start knee strengthening exercises.
- Ask for extra help and support from family and friends.
- Don’t wear lotion, perfume, deodorant, nail polish, jewelry, and piercings on the day of your surgical procedure.
- Follow your doctor’s dietary instructions.
What Happens During Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement surgery usually takes around two to three hours. Here’s what happens in the process of partial knee replacement:
- Anesthesia will be administered.
- You may also get antibiotics through an IV tube to reduce the risk of infection.
- Your orthopedic surgeon will make a small incision in the knee to access the damaged area.
- The damaged cartilage and bone tissue will be removed.
- The prosthetic will be inserted and secured using bone cement.
- The incision will be closed with stitches.
- You will be sent to a recovery room to be monitored for several hours.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Usually, you can go home within 24 to 48 hours of surgery. Physical therapy is needed to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. It helps you regain strength, improve range of motion, and restore function. With a good physical therapy program, you could return to your usual activities in about six weeks.
However, full recovery takes six to 12 months. Impact exercises or jogging and running might not be recommended for several months. Low impact exercises, like swimming, are perfect during recovery once your wound heals completely.
Partial Knee Replacement In Naples, FL
Knee injuries and conditions can be extremely painful. Here at the Joint Replacement Institute, we know how crucial it is to get back on your feet and regain a sense of normalcy after surgery.
If you are suffering from knee pain due to arthritis, our highly qualified orthopedic specialists can help you prepare for, undergo, and recover from partial knee replacement. They can effectively improve knee pain and other unpleasant symptoms using the most advanced surgical techniques. With their skills and expertise, they have performed numerous partial knee replacements over the years — and with great success.
We’re here to support you throughout the entire knee replacement process. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our expert knee surgeons or find out what surgical options are available, call our staff at (239) 261-2663 or use our online appointment request form.
