Partial Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group is led a team of German & UK Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons, renowned for exemplary patient outcomes.  Our Orthopedic Surgeons are rated amongst the best Orthopedic Surgeons in Dubai. The Department of Orthopedics is dedicated to providing cutting-edge care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Our Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Program is recommended for individuals experiencing chronic knee pain, which can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. If the pain is localized to a specific area of your knee and conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, a partial knee replacement surgery might be a viable option.  This procedure offers a long-lasting solution for individuals with osteoarthritis affecting just one compartment of the knee joint.

Understanding Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to resurface the worn-out parts of your knee joint with metal and plastic implants. Unlike total knee replacement, this surgery targets only the affected compartment – the inner (medial), outer (lateral), or kneecap (patellofemoral) section – preserving the healthy parts of your knee. This approach offers several benefits, including a shorter recovery time, less pain, and a more natural feel to the knee joint.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Before recommending surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and determine if you are a suitable candidate for partial knee replacement. This evaluation may involve:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your range of motion, joint stability, and tenderness.
• X-rays: X-rays provide detailed images of your bones, revealing the extent of bone loss and joint space narrowing caused by osteoarthritis.
• MRI scan: In some cases, an MRI scan may be used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage, providing a clearer picture of the damage.

Procedure: What to Expect

Partial knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Incision: The surgeon makes a smaller incision compared to total knee replacement, usually at the front of the knee.
2. Joint access: The surgeon carefully accesses the affected compartment, mobilizing surrounding structures.
3. Bone and cartilage removal: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the affected surfaces.
4. Implant placement: Metal and plastic implants are precisely positioned to replicate the healthy joint surface.
5. Wound closure: The incision is meticulously closed with sutures or staples.

Recovery Process and Rehabilitation

Following surgery, you will likely spend a day or two in the hospital before transitioning to home-based recovery. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your knee. The recovery process typically involves:

• Pain management: Medication will be prescribed to manage post-surgical pain.
• Physical therapy: A dedicated physical therapy program will be designed to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper knee function.
• Weight bearing: Your doctor will advise you on weight-bearing restrictions initially, gradually progressing to full weight-bearing as your recovery progresses.
• Home care: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and adequate rest is essential for optimal healing.

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved knee function within 3-6 months after surgery. Full recovery can take up to a year, depending on your individual circumstances.

Partial knee replacement offers a promising surgical option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis in a single compartment of the knee. By preserving healthy parts of the joint, this procedure offers faster recovery times and a more natural feel compared to total knee replacement. If you are experiencing knee pain that is limiting your mobility, consult an orthopedic surgeon to discuss if partial knee replacement might be the right solution for you.