Total & partial knee replacement
Surgical information leaflets:
Why would a total or partial knee replacement be needed?
A total or partial knee replacement is done for patients with chronic knee pain and instability due to arthritis. Depending on the severity of damage to the knee joint, surrounding cartilage and soft tissue, Dr Oosthuizen may suggest replacing the entire knee joint (a total knee replacement) or only parts of it (a partial knee replacement). The goal for knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty is to enhance mobility, reduce pain and improve function.
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Which is better?
The surgery you will need depends on your unique case.
A total knee replacement is done when most of the knee joint is damaged, or when there is a possibility that a patient’s knee problems will get worse over time. In such cases, the entire joint is replaced with artificial components.
A partial knee replacement or uni-arthroplasty is, however, recommended when the knee joint is only damaged in a particular area. This is commonly known as knee preservation surgery and is much less invasive. In such cases, this part is replaced, and the rest of the knee is left intact, preserving any healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments within the knee.
Dr Oosthuizen performs both total and partial knee replacements as well as revision knee replacement surgery in necessary cases. With his expertise, he will be able to advise which of the two surgeries are best suited for your particular case.
How is it done?
Both of these surgeries will be done under either general or spinal anaesthesia. Dr Oosthuizen will begin by making an incision over the kneecap. If a total knee replacement is done, the kneecap will be rotated out of position so that Dr Oosthuizen can get full access to the structures beneath it. Once the damaged bone and cartilage is removed, the thighbone and shinbone are prepped for the prosthetic components. The artificial components are then cemented into the bone. Finally, the kneecap is moved back into position and in some cases also replaced with a prosthetic.
If a partial knee replacement is done instead, Dr Oosthuizen will rotate the kneecap out of position and remove only the damaged part of the knee. The prosthetic component made from metal and special plastic is then put into its place and fixed to the surrounding structures.
What can be expected after surgery?
Dr Oosthuizen will discuss the outcome of surgery as well as the recovery process in detail with you once you wake up from anaesthesia. Swelling, pain and stiffness in the leg and knee after a knee replacement is to be expected. After this type of surgery, Dr Oosthuizen will recommend physical therapy in order to aid recovery and to restore proper mobility of the joint. You can expect faster recovery and better range of motion if a partial knee replacement was done. If a total knee replacement is done, high impact activities such as running, jogging and jumping should be avoided. Normal activities can be resumed in the next 6 to 12 weeks.
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The duration of the procedure varies depending on the type of knee replacement surgery done, the implant used, and the patient’s age, weight and activity level.
You may be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery if you experience knee pain and problems with mobility, especially when they become unbearable and conservative treatment is less effective or not working.
A knee replacement surgery is performed once on a knee; however, revision surgery may be performed a couple of times if deemed necessary.
