Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Partial Knee Replacements

Osteoarthritis of the knee tends to develop naturally due to  age or overexertion. Most of the time, it occurs along with pre-existing conditions. In such cases, it can be difficult to stop the subsequent degradation. Nonetheless, with the current medical knowledge, we can slow the degradation process. For this, we must know which method of treatment is the best. Thus, if you have knee osteoarthritis symptoms, you should consult your doctor. This ensures you have a treatment plan, which is especially helpful, if your osteoarthritis is still in the early stages.

There are many ways to treat osteoarthritis. To clarify, it does not necessarily involve surgery, even if degradation is significant. However, one may need surgery if the pain is severe. Surgery is also suitable if the knee function is impeded, or if the patient has difficulty walking. In such cases, there are various types of surgeries available including a high tibial osteotomy or a  total knee replacement. If the degradation is not much, then a partial knee replacement may be suggested.

Knee arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery consists primarily of two types: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty, or partial knee replacement.

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) means surgically removing the damaged knee compartment, while preserving the healthy bone and cartilage. In general, aging causes the osteoarthritis of the knee. It usually occurs in one side of the knee joint, making UKA a prefered treatment over total knee replacement. 

Alternatively, total knee replacement involves removing more cartilage and bone from the femur, tibia, and the kneecap. It is a major surgery, with substantial postoperative pain, blood loss, tissue damage, and a long recovery time. Furthermore, bending and stretching of the knee may feel as natural, leaving UKA the better alternative.

This procedure relieves the pain caused by the knee osteoarthritis, which occurs on the inner side of the knee joint. It simultaneously preserves the healthy cartilage, compartments and various tendons inside the joint. As a result, it is considered a minor procedure with little postoperative pain and blood loss. There’s no cutting of tendons or muscular tissue, faster recovery times for the knee and shorter hospitalization time. Moreover, one can return relatively sooner to everyday routines.

A successful procedure means patients can use their knee in almost the same way as they would a healthy knee. Patients can bend and stretch the knee, sit on the floor, squat or kneel naturally. However, this kind of surgery may not be suitable for people wishing to run or participate in high-intensity sports. After a UKA procedure, doing so may cause the knee to wear down sooner than desired. For best results, first the orthopedic specialist diagnoses the patients. He/she then carries out the procedure for cases that are suitable. Results of partial replacements typically last between 10 to 20 years. Even then, it will be easier to carry out any revision surgery when comparison to total knee replacement surgery.

Doctors carefully select candidates for this treatment. To be a candidate for UKA, it is important for the degradation to have only occurred on the inner side of the knee joint.  Moreover, the leg must not be too bent, and the condition must not have progressed into the middle stage. The functioning level the patient currently has and the intensity of use is another determining factor. Given all of the above, people of any age can undergo UKA. 

For those around the age of 50, with minor joint degradation and less knee usage intensity, we recommend a partial knee replacement. This replacement lasts 10 to 20 years. If after that, the degradation returns, then another round of surgery or a total knee replacement can be performed. Partial knee replacement is most suitable for those 65 years old and over.

Doctors recommend a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for younger patients who play sports and use the knee joint with intensity. The procedure adjusts the alignment of the knee. This transfers the weight from the damaged to the healthy side of the joint. As a result the joint can function more naturally, carrying weight evenly.

1. Partial knee replacements are more complex procedures than total knee replacements. Only specialized surgeons perform the procedure.
2. The facility would require extensive medical equipment to enable the correct removal and replacement of the knee compartment in the surgery.
3. This procedure is not suitable for patients with severe degradation or too much flexion in the knee joint. Neither is it recommended for those with other bone conditions, like severe osteoporosis or rheumatic diseases. It is also not suggested if one has bone softening conditions like osteomalacia.

“Bear in mind, the patient’s age, severity and location of the affected area, plus expertise of the orthopedic specialist are crucial in achieving effective results. Even then, are replacements as good as the original knee? Although replacements are strong, they wear down if over or incorrectly used. Thankfully, our bones are both strong and flexible, and able to repair themselves. This flexibility helps reduce the amount of wear, much in the same way as when an engine is lubricated with oil. Our bodies can create new cartilage cells, which, with proper care, will either not wear, or wear more gradually. To slow the process even more, keep a control of your diet so your joints do not need to support excess weight. Additionally, use your joints the proper way, and make sure to get enough exercise. These steps help the joints stay healthy for a long time.”