Partial Knee Replacement
What is the Patella?
The kneecap is known as the patella. It is a triangular, thick bone and it articulates with the thigh bone or femur. The knee joint, especially the front side of it, is covered and protected by the patella.
When is a Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary?
Knee replacement surgery is necessary when there are the following symptoms:
- Pain in the isolated knee
- Arthritis in the knee
- Pain when walking up an incline or climbing stairs
Underlying causes:
- History of dislocations or patella instability
- A fracture or bad injury to the kneecap
- Malalignment that leads to early cartilage wear or an increased load on the kneecap
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Partial Knee Replacement
How do I know if partial knee replacement is for me?
Partial knee replacement is a treatment option available for you in Atlanta if you have arthritis of the knee and experience severe pain. Additionally, you are a candidate for this treatment option if you have tried physical therapy, injections and other non-surgical treatments without any lasting relief of symptoms.
The knee has three compartments: medial tibial-femoral, lateral tibial femoral and patellar-femoral. You may consider partial knee replacement when the cartilage has been damaged. Your doctor will evaluate it through the use of X-ray and MRI. Cartilage is a smooth, shiny coating on the bones. Cartilage not only protects the bones but also allows them to move efficiently and smoothly.
Why does the knee become arthritic?
There are several reasons why your knee can become arthritic. Throughout your life, your knees bear a lot of stress. This wear and tear can cause some degeneration. Trauma, malalignment and genetic predisposition can also cause your knee to become arthritic.
How is a partial knee replacement surgery done?
In the front of your knees, your surgeon makes a vertical incision. She removes the damaged bone in your knee joint, focusing on the compartment. To fit the implant, the worn ends are precisely shaped. She inserts and attaches the worn ends to the bone. For the patellofemoral replacement, a type of implant known as Zimmer is used.
Molecular weight plastic and cobalt chrome are used to manufacture these implants. Then, a surgical glue, absorbable sutures, and tape are used to close the incisions. This surgery is not the same as the total knee replacement.
How long does the implant last?
It depends on several factors such as your lifestyle, the fit of your implants, and compliance with the instructions. 9 out of 10 patients do not have any issues, even 15 years after their surgery. Failure can occur due to fracture, conversion to TKR, implant instability, and infection.
How long does a patient have to stay in the hospital?
Again, it depends on factors such as your health status, age, and your process of recovery. If it is an ambulatory surgery, you can go home almost instantly after the surgery in Atlanta. But if your partial knee replacement surgery is an in-patient procedure, you will have to stay about 24 hours after the surgery.
What are the risks and complications?
In terms of risks and complications, partial knee replacement is not very different from other surgeries. Possible risks include nerve damage, postoperative infection, and DVT. There may be some other complications such as fracture, infection, hardware complications, post-op stiffness, and conversion to KTR.
When will I be OK to go back to work?
As long as you are still taking pain medication, you may not drive. In most cases, patients are able to drive after 4-5 weeks. But before you return to driving, make sure you feel completely in control. To some extent, your recovery time depends on the type of work you do. If you want to engage in manual labor, you may not be able to do so until 8 weeks after your surgery in Atlanta.
When can I return to skiing, jogging, and other sports?
If you comply with post-operative instruction, you may be able to achieve muscle recovery pretty quickly. And once you have achieved that, you can go back to high-impact sports. However, it is important to remember that implants are mechanical devices. If they receive high loads, they can quickly wear out. That is why your surgeon may tell you to avoid such activities.
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement
How do I know if I am a candidate for patellofemoral joint replacement?
If you have kneecap dislocation or patellar instability, experience front knee pain, or are prone to having patellofemoral osteoarthritis or kneecap arthritis, you may be a candidate for PFJR. Your surgeon will use X-Ray and MRI to evaluate it.
How does osteoarthritis occur?
Cartilage is a smooth, shiny coating that covers the end of bones. Besides protecting your bones, it allows them to move efficiently and smoothly. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage becomes damaged. Genetics and injury are two factors that can contribute to this condition.
How is the medial patellofemoral ligament damaged?
This ligament keeps the patella (kneecap) from displacing by stabilizing it. If someone’s patella is dislocated, the patellofemoral ligament is disrupted. If the kneecap is dislocated, the ligament is stretched on the inside, which can result in the detachment or tear of the ligament.
Molecular weight plastic and cobalt chrome are used to manufacture these implants. Then, a surgical glue, absorbable sutures, and tape are used to close the incisions. This surgery is not the same as the total knee replacement.
What does the partial knee replacement surgery entail?
In the front of your knee, your surgeon makes a vertical incision. She removes the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee joint. To fit the implant, she precisely shapes the worn ends of your bone. She inserts and attaches the implant to the bones. The procedure requires Zimmer, a particular type of implant.
How long does a patient have to stay in the hospital?
Because it is an in-patient procedure, you will have to stay in the hospital in Atlanta after your patellofemoral joint replacement surgery. However, in most cases, it is just a one night stay.
What are the possible complications?
Possible risks include postoperative infection, nerve damage, and DVT. There are also some specific complications such as hardware complications, post-op stiffness, fracture, and infection.
When can I drive and engage in other activities?
Driving is not recommended when you are taking pain medications. If the surgery has been done on your right knee, you will have to avoid driving for about 9 weeks after your patellofemoral joint replacement surgery in Atlanta. To some extent, your recovery depends on the type of work you do.
Can I go back to skiing, jogging and other sports?
To some extent, it depends on whether you comply with the post-operative instructions. You can engage in high-impact activities if you have achieved total muscle recovery. But please remember that implants are still mechanical devices. You may need a revision if you regularly engage in high-impact activities. Your surgeon may advise you to avoid intense physical activities.
