Unicondylar (Partial) Knee Replacement
The knee joint bones have different portions that can be exposed to wear and tear, leading to cartilage loss. The knee has medial (inside), lateral (outside) and patellofemoral (top center) compartments that can be individually or completely affected by arthritis and other wear. When only one compartment needs repair or replacement, it is called a partial unicompartmental, or unicondylar, knee replacement. Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA offers unicondylar (partial) knee replacement at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Knee replacement surgery removes worn cartilage and bone then replaces it with artificial implants. This relieves pain and inflammation to restore improved mobility. In the past, the most common knee replacement was a total replacement of all compartments of the knee. This is an effective, but invasive, procedure, but not everyone with knee joint damage or cartilage loss needs a total knee replacement. A unicondylar, or partial, knee replacement is a less invasive option that can offer benefits over total knee joint surgery.
Benefits of Robotic Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Unicompartmental, or unicondylar, knee replacement surgery only removes the damaged portion of the knee. This could include replacing the medial, lateral or patellofemoral compartment components with titanium or polyethylene plastic implants. This leaves more natural bone and tissue in place, allowing for a more natural feeling and fewer risks for the patient. Some of the benefits of a unicondylar knee replacement versus total knee replacement include:
- Less blood loss
- Faster recovery
- Less pain after surgery
- Fewer risks of complications
At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we can perform unicondylar, or partial, knee replacement surgery using our Mako robotic system. This allows for higher precision and accuracy with minimal tissue damage. The success rate is very high for this procedure.
If you have chronic knee pain and lost mobility that is no longer responding to conservative treatments, it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery. Contact us at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA to schedule a consultation with our joint replacement specialist, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, to discuss robotic partial, or unicondylar, knee replacement.