subject: Benefits Of Partial Uni Knee Replacement Surgery [print this page] Many middle aged people in the U.SMany middle aged people in the U.S. develop arthritic knee joints. This can be repaired either partially (partial knee replacement) or totally (total knee replacement). In medical terms, partial knee replacement is also called as UNI (unicompartmental) knee replacement. This surgery is performed only when the inner (medial) side of the knee has been damaged due to advanced arthritis. As such only the worn down compartment of the knee is replaced. Therefore, in partial knee replacement, the surgeon simply reshapes the damaged parts without affecting the other parts of the knee. This procedure is a scientifically supported method and quite popular in the U.S. due to its effects in resolving the arthritic pain of only the inner aspect of the knee. Patients achieve many benefits of Uni knee replacement over the Total Knee Replacement Surgery.
Benefits of Unicompartmental Knee surgery
1. It is less invasive. Since this procedure involves small exposures to see the affected part, the surgeon can make minute incisions, resulting in smaller scars.
2. There is only a little blood loss. Due to smaller incisions, less blood loss occurs.
3. Faster recovery. Patients recover quickly due to less blood loss. Partial knee surgery aids patients to stand up on the same day of the operation.
4. Patients can stay overnight in the hospital and then can go home for therapy.
5. Rehabilitation period is short. Advancements in technology help orthopedic surgeons to perform advanced implant techniques. Therefore, within a few days to a week after a knee surgery, patients are able to return to normal activities.
6. Less pain. As the operation is performed in a small area with minimal invasion of instruments, the patient does not experience severe pain.
7. Partial Knee operations costs less compare to total knee surgery. Patients may not have to spend more on surgery as only the damaged part is reshaped. The cost is also reduced due to quick discharge from the hospital.
8. Better functioning. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis can get back to normal functioning of their knee after Uni knee surgery. They can easily carry on the activities such as kneeling, climbing stairs, jogging, squatting, etc. with much ease.
UNI knee replacement is performed only by a select few surgeons who have been experience practicing the procedure. Many orthopedic surgeons do not provide partial knee replacement to patients due to the misconception that uni knee replacement does not hold up over time. However, the Oxford Unicompartmental Knee study has proven that the longevity of this implant is similar to that of total knee replacements.
The Oxford knee is the best available option for performing partial knee replacement surgery. It is a mobile bearing uni knee that replicates the function of a meniscus, and offers better flexibility than other prosthetic options. This innovative replacement knee surgery has to be performed by a qualified surgeon. In order to become qualified to perform Oxford knee surgeries, an orthopedic surgeon must be trained by the original Oxford knee surgeons. Dr. Zehr spent time training in Oxford, England prior to the release of the Oxford knee in the U.S. in 2005.
Thus, the knee patients developing partial damage of a compartment of the knee can opt for uni knee replacement surgery, as this surgery has greater benefits while reducing arthritic knee joint pain.
