Partial knee replacement
Living with knee pain can severely affect your daily experiences, hindering your comfort during routine activities like walking, going up stairs, or simply standing.
While total knee replacement has been a successful solution for many with widespread knee arthritis, a less invasive option, partial knee replacement, now offers targeted relief for individuals with arthritis affecting only one part of their knee.
At OrthoPro Clinic, we are committed to providing cutting-edge orthopaedic solutions. Our expert team of the best knee surgeons in Dubai specialises in partial knee replacement.
This advanced procedure can alleviate pain, restore function, and get you back to your active lifestyle with a smaller incision and faster recovery than a total knee replacement.
What is partial knee replacement?
In a partial knee replacement, or unicompartmental knee replacement, surgeons specifically target and replace the damaged portion of the knee joint. Anatomically, the knee is comprised of three separate compartments.
Medial compartment: The medial compartment refers to the inner section of the knee joint.
Lateral compartment: The lateral compartment refers to the outer section of the knee joint.
Patellofemoral compartment: The area between the kneecap and the thigh bone.
Suppose arthritis is localised to only one of these compartments. In that case, a partial knee replacement can be performed to replace just the damaged cartilage and bone in that specific area, leaving the healthy parts of the knee intact.
This targeted approach offers several advantages over total knee replacement for appropriately selected patients.
Who are the individuals for whom partial knee replacement is recommended?
Partial knee replacement isn’t the right solution for every case of knee pain. The ideal candidate typically:
- Has osteoarthritis that is primarily limited to one compartment of the knee (usually the medial compartment).
- The pain is severe enough to disrupt their routine daily life.
- Has good stability and alignment in the unaffected compartments of the knee.
- Has a functional range of motion in the knee.
- Has shown limited or no improvement with conservative treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, and injections.
At OrthoPro Clinic, our best orthopaedic surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical exam, X-rays, and possibly advanced imaging, to determine whether partial knee replacement is the best option for your condition.
The partial knee replacement procedure at OrthoPro Clinic
OrthoPro Clinic employs cutting-edge surgical techniques and advanced technology to deliver optimal results for patients undergoing partial knee replacement. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia will be administered based on your overall condition and the surgeon’s advice. This could be general anaesthesia, which makes you fully unconscious, or regional anaesthesia, which numbs you from the waist down.
- Incision: Compared to a total knee replacement, a smaller incision is made over the affected knee compartment, usually about 3 to 5 inches long.
- Preparation of the bone: The damaged cartilage and minimal underlying bone in the affected compartment are precisely removed.
- Implant placement: Metal implants are carefully positioned and secured to the prepared surfaces of the thigh and shin bones (femur) (tibia). A smooth plastic spacer is placed between the metal components to allow smooth gliding movement.
- Closure: The surgical incision is sealed using sutures, followed by the application of a sterile dressing. The procedure typically takes between one to two hours to complete.
Advantages of partial knee replacement at the best hospital for partial knee replacement surgery in Dubai
Choosing partial knee replacement at OrthoPro Clinic, the best hospital for partial knee replacement surgery in Dubai, offers several potential benefits.
- Smaller incision: This leads to less pain, less scarring, and a lower infection risk than total knee replacement.
- Faster recovery: Patients often experience a quicker return to mobility and daily activities, with a shorter hospital stay and rehabilitation period.
- More natural knee movement & natural feel of the knee: Because only the damaged knee portion is replaced, the remaining healthy ligaments and cartilage allow for a more natural feel and range of motion.
- Less blood loss: Less blood is typically lost during the procedure due to the smaller area being operated on.
- Lower risk of complications: The less invasive nature of this procedure typically results in fewer complications than those associated with total knee replacement.
- Potentially lower cost: In some cases, the cost of a partial knee replacement may be slightly lower than a total knee replacement.
Recovery after partial knee replacement
Following partial knee replacement at OrthoPro Clinic, recovery is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. You can typically expect:
- Hospital stay: Patients are usually hospitalised for between one and three days following the procedure. Some patients are ready to go home within 24 hours !
- Pain management: To ease discomfort following the procedure, special pain relief medication protocols are put in place in order to make the experience as smooth as possible .
- Physical therapy: You’ll begin working with a physical therapist soon after surgery to restore function, including flexibility, strength, and balance. This will continue as an outpatient.
- Weight-bearing: You can start putting full body weight through the knee immediately after the procedure with the help of a walker or crutches. A large group of patients can walk unaided for short distances within 2 weeks of surgery.
- Return to activities: Most patients can return to many of their normal activities within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual and the nature of the activity. Complete recovery may take several months.
At OrthoPro Clinic, our dedicated rehabilitation professionals will guide you through a customised recovery programme designed to help you meet your functional goals.
Why choose OrthoPro Clinic for your partial knee replacement?
OrthoPro Clinic stands out as the best partial knee replacement surgery hospital when considering partial knee replacement in Dubai. Here’s why:
Expert orthopaedic surgeons: Our team comprises highly skilled and experienced Knee surgeons who are leaders in joint replacement surgery. They are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and achieving excellent patient outcomes.
- Advanced technology and techniques: We employ advanced surgical methods and cutting-edge technology to guarantee precision and the best possible outcomes in every partial knee replacement procedure.
- Comprehensive care: From your initial consultation through surgery and rehabilitation, we provide thorough and personalised care tailored to your needs.
- Patient-centred approach: At OrthoPro Clinic, we prioritise patient comfort, communication, and education. We’ll address all your questions, ensuring you feel well-informed and confident every step of the way during your treatment.
- World-class facility: Our clinic offers a comfortable and modern environment with advanced medical facilities to ensure a safe and positive surgical experience.
Take the first step towards pain relief and renewed mobility.
If knee pain is primarily affecting one side of your knee, a partial knee replacement at OrthoPro Clinic, performed by top orthopaedic surgeons in Dubai, could be the ideal solution for you.
Reclaim your active lifestyle and experience the benefits of this less invasive and highly effective procedure.
Get in touch with OrthoPro Clinic today to arrange a consultation and explore how partial knee replacement can help you regain your active lifestyle.
Discover Our Experts
Dr. Paul Macnamara
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Subspecialist in Hip & Knee Surgery
Dr. Ashish Soni
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Subspecialist in Knee, Shoulder & Hip Surgery
Dr. Herve Ouanezar
US Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon – Specializing in Knee & Hip Surgery and Sports Medicine