Knee pain can impact your everyday life. There are many reasons why you may experience knee pain, whether it is arthritis, an injury, or just wear and tear, a partial knee replacement may be the key to bringing you relief. It can be scary to think about getting surgery to cure your knee pain, especially when you do not know what to expect.

Here are some things to know if you are considering a partial knee replacement.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement replaces part of the knee with a prosthetic joint. The prosthetic is made of either metal or plastic. Your doctor will opt for a partial knee replacement when only one part of the joint is damaged. You will maintain your bone and healthy cartilage.

A partial knee replacement helps ease pain, help improves your knee motion, and gives you a better quality of life. You will be able to perform your work better and enjoy your leisure activities.

Why is a Partial Knee Replacement Ideal?

A partial knee replacement offers many benefits over a full knee replacement. A partial knee replacement requires a smaller incision, which helps prevent blood loss. You may not have to stay in the hospital after the surgery. If you do stay in the hospital, the stay will be much shorter than with a full knee replacement. The recovery may also be shorter. Partial knee replacement helps preserve healthy cartilage and bone. The pain associated with a partial knee replacement is also decreased.

What Happens During the Surgery?

The surgery should only last a few hours at most. You will be placed under general anesthesia. An IV will be placed to administer the anesthesia. You may also receive antibiotics through the IV to help prevent infection. The doctor then makes a small incision in your knee and located the damage. Once open, the doctor will remove any damaged cartilage and bone. After the area is cleared of damaged tissue, the doctor inserts the prosthetic using bone cement. Once the prosthetic is placed, the incision will be stitched up. You will spend some time in the recovery room before you are discharged or moved to a hospital room.

How Do You Recover from a Partial Knee Replacement?

If you stayed in the hospital, you could expect to go home after a day or so as long as you do not experience any complications. You will need to go to physical therapy sessions after the surgery to ensure you regain proper movement and motion in the knee. Your pain should be minimal, but your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication for a short time. You should avoid strenuous activity until your doctor clears you to do so. You will notice some increased mobility within a few weeks, but it can take several months to fully recover.

Reach out to a joint replacement surgeon to learn more.

Share