Unicondylar Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is a commonly done, reliable operation that has been proven effective for the treatment of advanced arthritis of the knee. In spite of its obvious virtues, the operation has definite disadvantages. While it is performed much more quickly, safely, and reliably now than it was 10 years ago, it is still a major joint reconstruction. It requires a large incision, commonly involves significant blood loss that can lead to transfusion, poses important pain management issues in the postoperative period, and can require months of extensive and sometimes painful rehabilitation.

There are certain, very specific circumstances where a smaller, partial knee replacement can be as effective as total knee replacement. These partial knee replacements are called "unicondylar knee replacements." They incorporate many of the principles and foundations of total knee replacement. Painful, degenerated joint surfaces are replaced with metal and plastic and poorly aligned knees are realigned to a more advantageous position.

However, there is much less surgical dissection and bone loss with unicondylar knee replacements. Accordingly, there is also less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and less postoperative swelling. Range of motion is achieved earlier with less pain and less physical therapy. All of ligaments of the knee are retained, and unicondylar knee replacements tend to feel more like "normal knees" than do many standard knee replacements.

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