Unicondylar knee Replacement
Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO
Unicondylar knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. Michael Van Manen, Do provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Colorado Springs, CO. Michael Van Manen, Do also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Michael Van Manen, Do’s office for an appointment today!
If knee arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee, unicondylar or partial knee replacement in Colorado Springs may be an option for relieving pain and improving knee function while preserving healthy portions of the joint. Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure replaces only the damaged area of the knee rather than resurfacing the entire joint.
Michael Van Manen, DO provides evaluation and treatment for knee arthritis and other orthopaedic conditions in Colorado Springs. As a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a focus that includes knee replacement and arthritis disease management, Dr. Van Manen evaluates the location and severity of knee damage, symptoms, activity level, and response to nonsurgical treatments when determining whether partial knee replacement may be appropriate.
If you have persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty with everyday activities despite conservative treatment, a comprehensive orthopaedic evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and available treatment options. For appropriately selected patients whose arthritis is confined primarily to one compartment of the knee, partial knee replacement may provide an alternative to total knee replacement while preserving more of the patient's natural knee.
What is Unicompartmental 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 kneecap and thighbone, the medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint that causes 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, whereas 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. These factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on your medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee.
What are the Indications for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
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.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy have failed to relieve the symptoms.
How is Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
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 shinbone and the thighbone. The plastic component is placed into the newly prepared area and secured with bone cement. Now, the damaged region of the femur or thighbone 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.
What Does Postoperative Care for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Involve?
You may walk with the help of a walker or cane for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist will introduce you to 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.
What are the Risks and Complications of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
The 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
- Wearing of the plastic liner
- Loosening of the implant
What are the Advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
The advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement over total knee replacement include:
- Smaller incision
- Less blood loss
- Quick recovery
- Less postoperative pain
- Better overall range of motion
- Feels more like a natural knee
Why Choose Dr. Michael Van Manen, DO for Unicondylar / Partial Knee Replacement in Colorado Springs?
Choosing the right treatment for knee arthritis begins with an accurate evaluation of the affected joint and an understanding of all available options. Dr. Michael Van Manen, DO, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon serving patients in Colorado Springs with experience in knee replacement, general orthopaedics, fracture care, and arthritis disease management.
Dr. Van Manen takes an individualized approach to treating knee arthritis. When symptoms are concentrated in one compartment of the knee, he can evaluate whether partial knee replacement may be an appropriate treatment option or whether another surgical or nonsurgical approach may better address the condition.
What you can expect from an orthopaedic evaluation may include:
- Review of your symptoms, medical history, and activity level
- Physical examination of the knee
- Imaging studies such as X-rays when appropriate
- Evaluation of which compartments of the knee are affected
- Discussion of nonsurgical treatment options
- Assessment of whether partial or total knee replacement may be appropriate
- Personalized guidance regarding recovery and rehabilitation
Dr. Van Manen's practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, provides patients with access to comprehensive orthopaedic care for knee arthritis and joint replacement.
Unicondylar / Partial Knee Replacement FAQs
What is a partial knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental or unicondylar knee replacement, is a procedure that replaces the damaged portion of the knee joint while preserving the healthy compartments and structures when appropriate.
How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement resurfaces the damaged portions of all major compartments of the knee. A partial knee replacement addresses arthritis that is primarily limited to one compartment, allowing more of the natural knee to remain intact.
Who may be a candidate for partial knee replacement?
Candidates are generally patients whose arthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee and whose symptoms have not improved sufficiently with appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Other factors, including ligament condition, knee alignment, overall joint health, activity level, and imaging findings, are also considered.
What causes arthritis in the knee?
Knee arthritis can develop as cartilage gradually deteriorates with age and use. Previous injuries, certain types of joint damage, alignment problems, and other factors may also contribute to arthritis.
What symptoms may indicate knee arthritis?
Common symptoms include knee pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing, or getting up from a chair.
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination, along with imaging such as X-rays when indicated. Imaging can help show cartilage loss, narrowing of the joint space, bone changes, and which areas of the knee are affected.
What treatments are available before partial knee replacement?
Depending on the individual's condition, treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications, injections, weight management when appropriate, and other conservative measures. Surgery may be considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
Is partial knee replacement minimally invasive?
Partial knee replacement generally uses a smaller surgical approach than total knee replacement because only the affected compartment is treated. However, it is still a surgical procedure, and the appropriate approach depends on the patient's anatomy and condition.
How long does recovery take after partial knee replacement?
Recovery varies from person to person. Some patients progress to walking with an assistive device soon after surgery, followed by rehabilitation focused on restoring motion, strength, and function. Your surgeon and physical therapy team can provide a recovery plan based on your individual needs.
Will I need physical therapy after partial knee replacement?
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery for many patients. Physical therapy and prescribed exercises can help restore knee motion, strength, balance, and function following surgery.
What are the risks of partial knee replacement?
As with any surgery, partial knee replacement has potential risks. These may include infection, blood clots, stiffness, nerve or blood vessel injury, implant loosening or wear, continued pain, and the possibility that arthritis may develop or progress in other areas of the knee.
Can partial knee replacement be converted to a total knee replacement?
In some circumstances, a partial knee replacement may eventually require revision or conversion to a total knee replacement. The need for additional surgery depends on factors such as implant condition, progression of arthritis, injury, and other individual circumstances.
How do I know whether partial or total knee replacement is right for me?
The choice between partial and total knee replacement depends on the location and extent of arthritis, the condition of the other knee compartments and ligaments, symptoms, imaging findings, and overall health. An orthopaedic evaluation can help determine which treatment options are appropriate.
Schedule a Knee Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs
Persistent knee pain does not have to be ignored. If arthritis is limiting your mobility or making everyday activities increasingly difficult, an orthopaedic evaluation can help you understand your treatment options.
Contact Dr. Michael Van Manen, DO, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to discuss your knee pain and whether unicondylar or partial knee replacement may be appropriate for your condition. Your evaluation can help identify whether continued nonsurgical treatment, partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or another approach may best address your symptoms and goals.
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