Partial Knee Replacement
Are you experiencing knee pain as a result of a sudden injury or chronic condition?
The orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine experts at Westchester Sport and Spine are here to help you. With 40 years of combined experience diagnosing orthopedic conditions and injuries, the board-certified specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine provide you with the highest level of care for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
About Partial Knee Replacements
Partial knee replacements are a common surgical procedure used to replace a damaged section of the knee joint. Partial knee replacements also come with a quicker recovery period than full joint replacement. Most importantly, this procedure creates a more ‘natural’ movement within the joint!
When you work with an excellent orthopedic surgeon, your appointment is all about you. All your questions will get answered so that you know everything that you need to know. Your surgeon will examine you and discuss your history. Your surgeon will work to determine whether you need a full or partial knee replacement.
This procedure occurs under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The damaged or diseased portions of your knee joint get removed first. Specialized prosthetics then replace the damaged sections of the joint.
After placing the prosthetic, the surgeon will secure it in place. They will then check the motion of the joint and close the incision. To help patients recover quickly, the incision will be kept as small as possible, usually around 3 – 5 inches.
Who is a Candidate?
Some patients may be better suited for a partial knee replacement than others. It’s important to work with a specialized hip surgeons before undergoing any procedure. This will help ensure that you are getting the right treatment for you to maximize your outcome.
If you have arthritis in one section of your knee joint, you may be a good candidate.
Patients who have other conditions or injuries, a partial knee replacement may not be an option. The surgeons at Westchester Sport and Spine want to avoid a patient needing more procedures in the future. When other conditions or injuries are present, a partial knee replacement may not be enough to provide long-lasting relief.
Benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement
There are many benefits to partial knee replacements. This procedure is best for patients who have arthritis in one section of their knee joint. The benefits of a partial knee replacement include:
- A smaller incision
- A shorter recovery period
- A more normal range of motion
Many patients report that their partial knee replacements feel more “natural.” This is because the majority of the joint remains the same, giving you a more natural gait and shorter recovery period.
Recovering From a Partial Knee Replacement
Patients with partial knee replacements typically experience a shorter recovery period. This is beneficial for patients who need to work or wish to return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible.
Pain management after a partial knee replacement is also much easier. This decreases the risk of using opioids for pain. Patients will be able to go home within a few days. However, they will put weight on their new joint shortly after the procedure. You will also undergo physical therapy to increase the strength of your joint and maintain your range of motion.
Call Westchester Sport and Spine
Arthroscopy is one of the greatest advances in orthopedic surgery. It can treat many different injuries with minimal invasion, faster recovery times, and less financial investment. If you have been suffering from chronic pain, I encourage you to come in for an orthopedic consultation. WSS is always taking new patients!
If you’ve suffered an injury or have any further questions, call Westchester Sport and Spine at 914-358-9700.