The Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

There are nearly 800,000 knee replacements performed in the U.S. each year, and that number could quadruple by 2030. Partial knee replacements make up only 10% of knee replacement surgeries, and with this year-over-year increase in demand, partial knee replacement surgeries deserve a closer look.

Our UNOVA Hip & Knee Center surgeons have been instrumental in developing significant advancements in partial knee replacement surgeries for more than 15 years. Our collective goal is to help our patients return to mobility and the activities they love as soon as possible. A partial knee replacement is a viable option for people who have severe arthritis and bone on bone contact in one compartment. Here are five advantages of partial knee replacements:

• Less invasive surgery – Partial knee replacement surgery requires a smaller incision (three to four inches vs. six to eight inches in a total knee replacement). The surgery also has a smaller amount of dissection, bone removal, and soft tissue disruption.
• Faster and less painful recovery – Soft tissue damage and removal is responsible for much of the pain in total knee replacement recovery. Partial knee replacement surgery preserves the tendons, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the knee, allowing patients to recover more quickly and with less pain.
• Lower risk of complications – Due to a less invasive surgery and shorter recovery period, patients face fewer potential post-operative complications. These complications include blood clots, infections, lung complications like pneumonia, and heart issues.
• Higher rate of outpatient surgeries – The majority of partial knee replacement surgeries can take place on an outpatient basis. Patients can return home the same day, avoiding a hospital stay and recovering in the comfort of their own homes.
• More “normal” knee function and performance – Since partial knee replacement surgery preserves more of the innate structure of the knee, it’s easier for the knee to return to “normal” movement.

While patients should consult with a reputable orthopedic surgeon before making any decisions, it’s worth exploring the faster recovery option of partial knee replacement surgery.

About UNOVA Hip & Knee
The orthopedic surgeons at UNOVA Hip & Knee Center are an experienced and compassionate team of professionals utilizing a platform that provides technologically advanced, safe hip and knee surgery in the outpatient setting. With a goal of getting patients back to their favorite activities as quickly as possible, the team leverages proprietary protocols to provide outpatient total knee and hip replacements. Learn more at www.unovahipandknee.com.