Also known as a partial knee replacement or unicompartmental knee replacement, unicondylar knee replacement is a less invasive alternative to a total knee replacement. It is called a partial replacement because only one part of the damage knee is replaced. Partial knee replacement is designed to target the portions of the knee that have been damaged by arthritis. This will allow Dr. Ahluwalia to leave the healthy portions of the knee intact, which in turn shortens the recovery time following the procedure. It also minimizes the scarring and maximizes the ability of the knee to recover full range of motion.

Unicondylar knee replacement is commonly used to treat younger, more active patients who do not want to undergo a total knee replacement at a young age or for patients who only have arthritis in one specific area of the knee.

To learn more about partial knee replacement or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia, call us today at 310.430.1310.

Candidates for Unicondylar Knee Replacement

Candidates for partial knee replacement will go through a thorough screening process. Dr. Ahluwalia will review several aspects of your health before he can recommend the appropriate form of treatment. This screening process will include:

Past Medical History

This will encompass your symptoms, previous treatments attempted to relieve those symptoms, prior surgeries, and everything related to your physical and psychological health.

Physical Examination

Dr. Ahluwalia will closely examine your knee, putting it through a variety of tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Imaging Tests

Dr. Ahluwalia may order x-rays and/or an MRI of your knee to add a visual perspective to the data gathered in the other screening areas.

Advantages of Unicondylar Knee Replacement

There are several advantages of the minimally invasive unicondylar knee replacement compared to total knee replacement. These include:

  • Less pain
  • Shorter Hospital Stay
  • Faster Recovery
  • Less Blood Loss
  • More Complete Range of Motion
  • Better Functionality of the Knee
  • Less Pain Following Surgery

Unicondylar Knee Replacement Surgery

Partial knee replacement surgery removes damaged tissue and bone in one compartment of the knee joint and replaces it with a prosthetic implant. The procedure will begin with the administration of either general or regional anesthesia, options which will be discussed with you at your preoperative consultation.

Dr. Ahluwalia will then make the incision on your knee to access the underlying compartments of the knee. The diseased or damaged areas of the knee will be removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. After the implant is secured in place, the incision(s) will be closed with stitches, and you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored by our recovery room staff.

Recovery from Partial Knee Replacement

Numerous long-term followup studies of unicondylar knee replacements have a 10-year outlook rate of greater than 90%. Following unicondylar partial knee replacement, patients recover quickly and experience pain relief and good functionality. Because a partial knee replacement is done through a minimally invasive approach, rehabilitation is easier and patients are able to return to normal activities faster. You can begin putting weight on your knee immediately after surgery, although you may need an assisting device such as a crutches or a cane for the first few days until you are completely comfortable. Physical therapy for 4-6 weeks is recommended to regain full range of motion and strength in the affected knee. Dr. Ahluwalia will evaluate your recovery on follow-up at his Beverly Hills practice.

Contact Dr. Ahluwalia for more information or to schedule your consultation today!