Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
Commonly, in approximately one third of patients facing knee
replacement surgery, their osteoarthritis affects only certain parts of the
knee. A unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is an innovative device that replaces only the worn
out parts of the knee, rather than replacing the whole knee as with a total
knee replacement (TKR). A UKR
is therefore a smaller operation than a TKR, and can
be performed through a much smaller incision. This results in a more rapid
recovery from the surgery, with a shorter inpatient stay, an earlier return to
normal activities, and frequently a better functional outcome.
An x-ray of a knee
demonstrating osteoarthritis affecting the inside half only, with the two bones
touching each other within the shaded area. In the unaffected outside half of the knee, the bones
are kept separate from each other by a healthy layer of cartilage (invisible on
the x-ray).
UKR’s do not wear out any more quickly than a total
knee replacement, and are suitable for a wide range of patients, including the
elderly and overweight.
The operation can be technically demanding, and should be
performed by those appropriately trained to undertake the procedure. Mr Isaac has had specific experience in the
use of the Oxford Unicompartmental Knee replacement,
having been trained by the surgeons and engineers responsible for the
development of the implant in
The
The decision as to whether a patient is suitable for a UKR can be made by examination of the patient, and from the
x-rays. Sometimes during the operation the knee is found to be more worn than
expected, and the operation is converted to a total knee replacement. This is
an unusual occurrence.
Patients commonly find they can return home within 24 – 48 hours
after surgery, and return to all normal activities by 6 weeks after surgery.
More information on the