A private patient at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital who underwent a partial knee replacement with Carrothers Orthopaedics left this review on 12 July 2023 on Iwantgreatcare.org:
“I have to say the whole experience was excellent and Mr Carrothers advice and care were exceptional. He took a lot of time to check I was aware of the consequences of the operation and what was involved afterwards with regards to following intently the physio’s advice. The knee is now nearly fully mended and I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Carrothers to others in a similar position, as I said the whole experience was exceptional and I could not speak higher of the care given.”
Read more patient success stories about joint replacement >
In this article we will answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about partial knee replacement surgery. It helps to understand more about the condition so you can make informed choices about the possible diagnosis, treatment and likely outcomes, but you should always consult an orthopaedic surgeon who will be able to assess your individual circumstances and provide one-to-one advice…
What is a partial knee replacement?
Your knee is the largest joint in your body. It is where your tibia and femur meet, beneath the patella (kneecap). There are three compartments to your knee – the medial, which is the inside part of the joint, the lateral or outside part, and the patellofemoral compartment, which is the front of the knee between the kneecap and thigh bone. In a healthy knee joint, the structures of the knee (ligaments, meniscus, cartilage) work together so your knee can move smoothly. However, conditions like osteoarthritis cause damage to these structures, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of function. During a partial (also called unicompartmental) knee replacement, one compartment of the knee is resurfaced using a prosthetic implant made from metal and plastic.
How does it differ from a total knee replacement and which is better?
This differs from a total knee replacement, which entails replacing every part of the knee joint with a prosthetic implant. There are pros and cons for each procedure. A partial knee replacement is carried out using a smaller incision and retains more of the natural structure of the knee joint, so patients often say it feels more like their natural knee joint than with a total knee replacement. Because it is a shorter operation, recovery times tend to be quicker with a partial knee replacement and there is less blood loss. Patients often experience less pain after surgery and the risk of complications is lower.
However, there is a higher likelihood that you will need more surgery in the future, as arthritis may develop in other parts of the joint resulting in the need for a total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement is not suitable for everyone – for example, if you have arthritis in every part of your knee. You may also be unsuitable if you have a very stiff knee, ligament damage or inflammatory arthritis. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you if you are a suitable candidate for partial knee replacement or not and will discuss the pros and cons with you.
Why might I need a partial knee replacement?
You may be offered a partial knee replacement if you have severe knee pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in one compartment of your knee. Normally you will have tried other, less invasive treatments – such as painkilling medication or steroid/hyaluronic acid injections – but these will no longer be effective at managing your symptoms.
What happens during the operation?
Prior to the day of surgery, you will have undergone various diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scan or a Mako CT planning scan, to pinpoint the damage to your knee joint and the condition of the cartilage. Most partial knee replacements are carried out under spinal and sedation anaesthetic, which means although you will be asleep throughout you continue to breathe for yourself as normal. The operation itself normally lasts one to two hours. The surgeon will make a small incision at the front of your knee and assess the condition of the joint and ligaments. If damage continues to be limited to a single compartment, they will remove this and replace it with an artificial implant, which may be held in place with bone cement or press-fitted into the bone so your natural bone can grow onto it. A plastic spacer is used to create a smooth, gliding bearing surface for the joint. If the surgeon discovers that the arthritis is affecting other parts of the knee, you may be given a total knee replacement, but this will be discussed with you as a risk in advance. The incision will be closed and you will be closely monitored as you come round from the anaesthetic.
Am I suitable for a Mako robotic arm assisted partial knee replacement?
If you are suitable, you may be offered a Mako robotic arm assisted partial knee replacement, which your surgeon will discuss with you in your initial consultation.
You can read more about how this surgery works in our Patient Guide but generally can result in lower risks and quicker recovery.
How quickly will I recover?
Recovery from a partial knee replacement is usually quicker than with a total knee replacement. You will normally be discharged from hospital within a day or two, once you have been assessed by your orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist who will recommend exercises to help your recovery. It is important to do these exercises regularly as they will help build strength and flexibility in your joint and leg muscles.
You will need to use crutches at first to help your leg as you recover. You will be able to go down to one crutch after a few weeks and should be able to walk unaided within six weeks. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to go back to work or begin driving again but for most people this is within four to six weeks.
What are the risks of partial knee replacement?
While partial knee replacement is a routine surgical procedure, it carries a small risk of complications. Your surgeon will discuss these with you before the operation and your surgical team will take steps to prevent them, wherever possible. The most common risks include blood clots, infection in the wound site or within the implant itself, nerve or blood vessel damage and the need for additional surgery.
Contact us for more information about the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain.
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We are always happy to provide information and guidance about various treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, including Mako robotic arm assisted surgery and conventional surgery.
For more information, please contact us.
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For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.
