Partial knee replacement surgery is one of today’s medical marvels. It features small incisions, precise resurfacing of bone and cartilage, and faster recovery times. This orthopedic surgery helps a wide range of patients who are in relatively good health.
Let’s talk about how partial knee arthroplasty works,who may be a candidate for it, and where you can go for this surgery in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, FL.
What Is Partial Knee Arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery. Used to relieve the pain, deformity, and dysfunction which degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis causes in the hip, knee, and shoulder, joint replacement has become more and more common. Additionally, it has become more refined in terms of the imaging and tools used to perform it. The replacement parts (prosthetic metal or plastic cartilage and bone) installed in the affected joints fit more precisely, operate more smoothly, and last longer.
With partial knee arthroplasty, the orthopedic surgeon replaces smaller portions of the bone surfaces and cartilage degraded by osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic impact from a fall, collision, or sporting activity. The surgeon uses state-of-the-art MAKOplasty equipment and processes to image and map the affected knee joint. He/She uses sophisticated robotic-assisted tools to remove the damaged portions and install customized replacement parts.
Partial knee replacement features:
- Resurfacing of just one part of the articular surfaces (front of the knee or the inside or outside portions only)
- Smaller surgical incisions as compared to total knee surgeries
- Less disruption of healthy tissues in the knee
- Quicker healing
- Less chance of infection
- Less downtime post-operatively and faster rehabilitation
Plus, patients report that knees repaired using these techniques seem more natural. In other words, their knees feel and act more like their knees did before injury and/or arthritis affected them.
Who Is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
Many patients make good candidates for partial knee replacement. Typically, these individuals are in relatively good health and:
- Have worked and intact knee ligaments (ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL)
- Limited to no bone death (necrosis)
- Limited osteoarthritis (OA) related to age, overuse, or sports injury
- Limited inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Additionally, ideal candidates should be highly motivated to follow their post-operative care plans, including outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Sadly, many people who investigate partial knee replacement surgeries would not be well-served by this procedure because of:
- Advanced RA or OA
- Obesity
- Bones weakened by osteoporosis
- Severe joint instability for an extended period before surgical consultation
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, FL
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, our orthopedic surgeons have years of experience in providing you with comprehensive and customized orthopedic care for your orthopedic problems. Our surgeons are highly skilled and trained at performing robotic knee transplants using MAKOplasty.
We not only perform replacement surgeries with outstanding expertise but also manage your pre-op and post-op pain with various pain management techniques.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (941) 629-6262 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you regain the comfortable movement you need to fully enjoy your life!
