Struggling with knee pain can impact your quality of life, making basic activities like walking, standing, or using stairs feel nearly impossible. If your pain is limited to one part of your knee, a partial knee replacement may be the effective, targeted solution you need.
Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements, offers advanced, patient-focused care in New York, NY, and Stamford, CT. With over 600 joint replacement surgeries performed annually and expertise in minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques, Dr. McLawhorn is a trusted leader in his field. By combining innovative procedures with personalized treatment plans, he helps patients regain mobility, relieve pain, and reclaim their active lifestyles.
What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement surgery, also called “unicompartmental knee arthroplasty”, may refer to “unicondylar knee replacement” or to “patellofemoral joint replacement”. These procedures are sometimes alternatives to total knee replacement surgery. Rather than removing the entire joint, partial knee replacement involves removing only the damaged portion of the bone and cartilage, and selectively resurfacing those parts of the knee. This type of knee surgery is typically recommended for patients who have damage to cartilage and/or bone that is only in one area of the knee joint.
Dr. McLawhorn performs medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty only. He does not perform lateral or patellofemoral partial knee replacements.
Reasons For Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement surgery is commonly performed for patients who are suffering from severe knee pain associated with knee arthritis. Some of the symptoms that may warrant a partial knee replacement include:
- Severe knee pain that is recurring, but specific to one area of the knee joint
- Pain that lasts throughout the day and night, even at rest
- Knee pain that has not responded well to nonsurgical treatments
- Trouble performing normal activities due to debilitating pain
- Knee arthritis damage that is confined to one area of the knee
Partial Knee Replacement Candidates
Selecting the right patient is considered one of the most important steps to ensuring a good functional outcome and longevity for a partial knee replacement. The most common indications for partial knee replacement are:
- Osteoarthritis, secondary arthritis, or osteonecrosis confined to one compartment of the knee (either medial, lateral, or patellofemoral)
- Intact and functioning knee ligaments (for example, ACL, PCL, and MCL)
- Minimal leg deformity
- Nearly normal knee range of motion
- Good quality bone
- Patients who are not severely overweight
Unlike total knee replacement, partial knee replacement is not recommended for patients with inflammatory arthritis, because other joint compartments are usually affected.
When to Get a Partial Knee Replacement
Choosing to have partial knee replacement surgery is a personal decision that is made together with Dr. McLawhorn. Your preference for surgery, your lifestyle demands, and your expectations for outcomes after surgery aid the decision-making process and will guide your choice between nonsurgical care and partial knee replacement surgery.
In general, when knee pain begins to interfere with your daily life, prevents you from participating in your recreational activities, wakes you from sleep, and/or requires prescription pain medication, partial knee replacement surgery may be a consideration.
The Goals of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
First and foremost, the purpose of partial knee replacement surgery is to improve pain. Other general goals are:
- Improve knee function
- Provide a stable knee
- Prevent excessive wear of the implanted components
- Avoid complications
Ideally, patients can return to work and the activities they love to perform without worrying about their partial knee replacement. After complete recovery from surgery, some patients may even forget that they had a partial knee replacement. In contrast to a total knee replacement, most patients do not sense a major difference between a knee with a partial knee replacement and a natural, well-functioning knee.
The Partial Knee Replacement Process
The exact steps and implants for a partial knee replacement procedure will be customized depending on the individual needs of each patient and the specific steps involved in the surgery may vary from person to person. However, in most cases, you can expect the following:
- Regional anesthesia is provided with either a spinal or epidural to numb your body from the waist down; sedation through an IV will allow you to sleep throughout the surgery
- One or more nerve blocks (injections around sensory nerves) will be given to lessen postoperative pain
- Antibiotics are given prior to surgery to prevent infection
- An incision is made in front of the knee to access the part of the knee joint that is damaged. The length of the incision is proportional to the depth of the fatty tissue and muscle overlying the knee. It must be long enough to permit full access to the surfaces of the bone that will be replaced, so that the prosthetic components can be placed precisely and accurately. Typically an incision that is 4 to 5 inches long is adequate
- Damaged cartilage and bone are removed in the compartment that is being replaced
- The exposed bone is resurfaced with metal components
- A highly cross-linked polyethylene (plastic) liner is inserted between the components, providing smooth motion to the joint; a plastic “button” is used to resurface the backside of the patella (kneecap) in the case of a patellofemoral joint replacement, or “PFJ”
- The soft tissues are closed over the implants
What To Expect After Partial Knee Replacement
Immediately after surgery, you will be able to walk on your partial knee replacement. For many patients, partial knee replacement is an outpatient surgery, allowing them to go home the same day as surgery. Crutches or cane may be used for several weeks, if needed. Depending on the demands of your job, you may return to work within 2 weeks of surgery. Return to full normal activity, including heavy labor and sports occurs by 6 months after surgery.
Dr. McLawhorn recommends routine follow-up of all his partial knee replacement patients. In general, patients will be evaluated at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and then every 5 years after surgery. A clinical examination and X-rays will be performed at each of these visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will A Partial Knee Replacement Last?
Current data suggests that partial replacements have an annual failure rate approximately 1.0%. This means that if you have your partial joint replacement performed today, you have an approximately 90% chance that your implant will last 10 years, and an 80% chance that it will last 20 years. With continued improvements in joint implant technology and surgical techniques, these numbers may improve.
What Are The Advantages Of Partial Knee Replacement?
There are many benefits to undergoing partial knee replacement surgery compared to total knee replacement, including:
- Healthy bone and cartilage in the knee is preserved
- Major ligaments of the knee are retained
- Minimally invasive procedure with relatively quick recovery period
- More normal feeling knee
Can I Kneel Or Squat After Partial Knee Replacement?
Most patients can kneel or squat after partial knee replacement, although it may feel uncomfortable initially due to the healing process and sensitivity around the joint. Regular physical therapy and strengthening exercises can improve your ability to perform these movements over time. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s guidance and avoid pushing your knee too hard during recovery to ensure optimal healing and long-term functionality.
What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Partial Knee Replacement?
As with any surgery, partial knee replacement carries some risks, including infection, blood clots, implant loosening, or failure over time. However, these complications are rare, and Dr. McLawhorn employs advanced techniques and preventative measures to minimize risks.
Will I Need Physical Therapy After Partial Knee Replacement?
Yes, physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery. It helps improve knee function, mobility, and strength. Dr. McLawhorn’s team will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs, allowing you to feel confident in your knee’s strength and gradually return to your normal activities.
Can I Drive After Partial Knee Replacement?
Most patients are able to drive again within 2-4 weeks following surgery, based on their recovery and the knee involved. It is essential to regain full control of your knee, discontinue narcotic pain medications, and ensure you can safely operate the vehicle before getting back on the road.
Why Choose Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn for Partial Knee Replacement?
The success of your knee replacement surgery heavily depends on choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon. Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements. He performs over 600 joint replacement procedures annually and is one of the nation’s most experienced surgeons. His expertise includes advanced techniques like robot-assisted surgeries, minimally invasive approaches, and rapid recovery joint replacement.
Dr. McLawhorn completed his training at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he earned multiple awards for excellence. In 2022, he was recognized as the top joint replacement surgeon in New York State for volume and experience. As Director of Research and Innovation for the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at HSS, he is a leader in advancing techniques to ensure patient outcomes.
With a focus on individualized care and compassion, Dr. McLawhorn helps patients achieve excellent outcomes and reclaim their mobility.
Conclusion
Learn more about what you can expect before and after surgery in Dr. McLawhorn’s FAQs.
If you are suffering from debilitating knee pain or knee arthritis and exploring partial knee replacement as a treatment option, it is important to seek advice from an orthopedic knee specialist to accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Dr. McLawhorn is a hip and knee specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery serving patients in New York City, and Stamford, Connecticut. To learn more, call 203-659-0048 (CT) / 917-277-3841 (NYC) today or schedule an appointment by using the form on this page.
Learn more about partial knee replacement surgery at hss.edu
