Partial Knee Replacement (Unicondylar) in Delhi

What is Partial Knee Replacement (Unicondylar)

A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure used to replace a part of your knee joint. Under the surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged section of the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic.

Unicondylar knee replacement, also known as UKA, refers to a surgical intervention that aims to replace only a specific portion of the knee joint. Unlike total knee replacement, which requires the entire joint to be replaced, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) focuses on replacing a single compartment only. This surgery is performed on the medial (inside section) or the lateral (outside section) of the knee joint. The procedure becomes more conservative with a quick recovery time and improved quality of life.

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement (Unicondylar)

Unicondylar knee replacement is considered a safe and effective way to relieve long-term symptoms of knee conditions, including pain, stiffness, and more. People who opt for this surgery usually regain mobility with an increased quality of life.
As per records, patients who undergo unicondylar knee replacement live with their prosthetic pieces for a long time, with an average time extending to 10 years or longer. Compared to traditional methods, this surgery results in a much faster recovery time with limited restrictions.
The cost of partial knee replacement in Delhi is less than that of traditional knee replacement, making it accessible to individuals in case of emergency.

Unicondylar vs Traditional Methods

Unicondylar knee replacement differs from traditional knee replacement methods primarily on the basis of the extent of the procedure. The former targets only one compartment of the knee. On the contrary, total knee replacement replaces the entire joint.

Unicondylar knee replacement helps in the preservation of healthy ligaments, bones, and tissues, resulting in less trauma to the nearby areas. This factor makes it superior to total knee replacement because UKA results in a more natural feeling post-surgery.
The incisions made during this surgery are smaller than those of traditional procedures, resulting in faster healing.
As recovery is quick under this procedure, patients often experience quicker rehabilitation than traditional methods.
Due to smaller incisions, UKA involves less blood loss.

Types of Unicondylar Knee Replacements

Primarily, unicondylar knee replacement has two types:

Fixed-Bearing UKA: Under this procedure, the surgeon fixes the replacement component in place so it doesn't move and gets rested in one place. It is the most commonly used type.
Mobile-Bearing UKA: Under this type, the surgeon creates some degree of movement between the components of the replacement, which offers better conformity with the natural knee movement.

Who is eligible for Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement in Delhi may be recommended to you if your osteoarthritis has advanced and non-surgical methods are not providing any relief to your symptoms. To be able to opt for this surgery, your arthritis must be limited to only one compartment of the knee.

The doctor does not recommend this procedure to patients with inflammatory arthritis, significant knee stiffness, or ligament damage.

How Partial Knee Replacement Surgery is Performed?

You will receive anesthesia to numb your body. The effects of anesthesia ensure you don't experience any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. Depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health, you will receive either general or regional anesthesia.
The surgeon makes a small incision in your knee joint to locate the damaged cartilage and bone in the compartment after checking your X-ray results.
Once the compartment is located, they insert the prosthetic pieces.
They insert a plastic spacer to recreate the smooth cushion of your cartilage that was damaged or removed.
Once the prosthetic is placed, the incision is stitched. The surgery lasts an hour.
You are brought to the recovery room, where the care team monitors your vital signs and watches for any complications.
Most people can go home the same day of the surgery. The care team will let you know if you need to stay for a few days.

Recovery

It may take a few months to completely recover from a partial knee replacement. You may resume most of your usual activities after six weeks of the procedure. The recovery also depends on several factors, including your overall health, age, and activity level before the surgery. The surgeon will give you a customized recovery plan. The general rules of recovery are as follows:

Use a cold compress or ice on your knee for 20 minutes a day to manage pain or swelling.
Take all the prescribed medicines for pain management.
Keep your knee elevated to avoid swelling or discomfort.
Take good care of your incision and keep it clean and covered. Change the dressing as suggested by the surgeon or the care team.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on when to resume your workout routine. You can perform some home exercises to strengthen muscles around the knees and prevent stiffness.
You will also be suggested to work with a physical therapist for a few weeks after the surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?

If you are planning for a partial knee replacement, choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for the surgery. His experience, expertise, precision, and patient-focused care make him the best surgeon to perform this procedure. The doctor specializes in minimally invasive techniques, including partial knee replacement that reduce tissue damage and pain and shorten recovery time.

Dr. Ashwani Maichand's thorough pre-surgical evaluation ensures only suitable candidates undergo this procedure. Renowned for his meticulous surgical approach and personalized rehabilitation plans, Dr. Maichand's treatment results in faster mobility and improved quality of life. Overall, you can expect modern operating facilities, evidence-based practices, and compassionate support throughout your engagement with Dr. Ashwani Maichand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Partial knee replacement causes less blood loss and trauma compared to total knee replacement. However, it is not a substitute in case all your knee compartments are damaged.

Partial knee replacement is performed only if a part of the knee is damaged and requires replacement. On the other hand, total knee replacement is performed when the total knee is damaged and requires immediate replacement.

Partial knee replacement shows positive results in both adults and older adults alike.

The average lifespan of a partial knee replacement is 10 years or more.

The newest alternative to knee replacement focuses on less invasive or regenerative treatments. Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is being used as a common alternative by doctors around the globe.

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