Partial Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement (sometimes called a unicompartmental knee replacement) is a type of surgery that replaces just a portion of the knee joint and is used to treat knees where damage is restricted to specific areas of the knee. Most partial knee replacements involve areas of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), but some partial knee replacements address the area under the kneecap or patella. Unlike total knee replacement surgery that removes the entire joint surfaces of the tibia and femur, partial knee replacement techniques leave the undamaged bone and cartilage in place.

What are the benefits of partial knee replacement surgery?

Partial knee replacement surgery is considered a minimally invasive type of surgery, which means it requires a smaller incision than total knee replacement. It also removes less bone and other tissue. As a result, patients typically experience less blood loss, fewer complications and a faster recovery time compared to patients who undergo total knee replacement procedures. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement surgery also usually have shorter hospital stays.

Am I a good candidate for partial knee replacement?

Like total knee replacement (TKR), partial knee replacement is considered for patients for whom more conservative approaches like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections and pain medications have failed. Unlike TKR, partial knee replacement surgery is only appropriate when the damage is confined to specific, small area, not when damage is widespread. Partial knee replacement is also typically considered in patients with healthy and intact knee ligaments, who are not overweight, and who are 55 years of age or older. Partial knee replacement can be a good alternative to TKR for the right patients. Dr. McCandless will be able to determine if you're a good candidate following your exam and based on results of x-rays or MRIs.