Partial Knee Replacement Specialist in Rochdale & Greater Manchester
If knee pain is affecting only one part of your knee and limiting your daily activities, partial knee replacement may be an effective treatment option. This procedure is designed to replace only the damaged portion of the knee while preserving healthy bone, ligaments, and tissue.
Mr. Cohen provides expert evaluation and advanced partial knee replacement surgery for patients in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and surrounding areas, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring function, and maintaining more natural knee movement.
Partial knee replacement simply means that only a part of the knee joint is replaced through a smaller incision than would normally be used for a total knee replacement.
Advantages
- Smaller operation
- Smaller incision
- Not as much bone removed
- Shorter hospital stay
- Shorter recovery period
- Blood transfusion rarely required
- Better movement in the knee
- Feels more like a normal knee
- Less need for physiotherapy
- Able to be more active than after a total knee replacement
Surgical Procedure
Each knee is individual and knee replacements take this into account by having different sizes for your knee. If there is more than the usual amount of bone loss sometimes extra pieces of metal or bone are added.
Surgery is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room under spinal or general anaesthesia. You will be on your back and a tourniquet applied to your upper thigh to reduce blood loss. Surgery will take approximately two hours.
- The patient is positioned on the operating table and the leg prepped and draped.
- A tourniquet is applied to the upper thigh and the leg is prepared for the surgery with a sterilizing solution.
- An incision around 7 cm is made to expose the knee joint. Smaller incisions are made if the surgery is done using arthroscopy.
- The bone ends of the femur and tibia are prepared using a saw or a burr.
- Trial components are then inserted to make sure they fit properly.
- The real components (Femoral & Tibial) are then put into place with or without cement.
- The knee is then carefully closed and drains usually inserted, and the knee dressed and bandaged.
Post-operation Care
Usually you will remain in the hospital for 1-2 days. Depending on your needs, you will then return home or proceed to a rehabilitation facility. You will need physical therapy on your knee following surgery. You will be discharged on a walker or crutches and usually progress to a cane at six weeks. Bending your knee is variable, but by 6 weeks it should bend to 90 degrees. The goal is to obtain 110-115 degrees of movement. Once the wound is healed, you may shower. You can drive at about 6 weeks, once you have regained control of your leg. You should be walking reasonably comfortably by 6 weeks. More physical activities, such as sports previously discussed may take 3 months to be able to do comfortably.
When you go home you need to take special precautions around the house to make sure it is safe. You may need rails in your bathroom or to modify your sleeping arrangements especially if they are up a lot of stairs.
You will usually have a 6 week check up with your surgeon, who will assess your progress. You should continue to see your surgeon for the rest of your life to check your knee and take X-rays. This is important as sometimes your knee can feel excellent, but there can be a problem only recognized on X-ray.
If you have any unexplained pain, swelling, or redness or if you feel generally poor, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Risks and Complications
As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved and may include:
- Surgical site infection
- Blood Clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis)
- Fractures or Breaks in the Bone
- Stiffness in the Knee
- Wearing of implants
- Wound Irritation or Breakdown
- Cosmetic Appearance
- Leg length inequality
- Dislocation
- Patella Problems
- Ligament Injuries
- Damage to Nerves and Blood Vessels
Discuss your concerns thoroughly with your Orthopaedic Surgeon prior to surgery.
Why Choose Mr. Cohen for Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement requires careful patient selection and precise surgical technique to achieve optimal results.
Mr. Cohen offers:
- Specialized Expertise in Knee Preservation Techniques
Experience in identifying patients who may benefit from partial knee replacement rather than total knee replacement - Individualized Surgical Planning
Each procedure is tailored based on the location and extent of joint damage - Advanced Surgical Techniques
Use of modern implants and minimally invasive approaches to preserve healthy structures - Comprehensive Care
Support from consultation through recovery, including rehabilitation planning - Patient-Centered Approach
Clear communication and shared decision-making to ensure the right treatment choice
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Knee Replacement
What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a procedure that replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee, preserving the healthy parts of the joint.
Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?
Candidates typically include patients with arthritis limited to one part of the knee, intact ligaments, and good overall knee stability.
How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement preserves more of the natural knee, which may allow for more natural movement and a quicker recovery compared to total knee replacement.
What is recovery like after partial knee replacement?
Recovery is often faster than total knee replacement, with many patients returning to daily activities sooner while continuing rehabilitation.
When is partial knee replacement not appropriate?
It may not be suitable if arthritis affects multiple compartments of the knee or if there is significant instability or ligament damage.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief and Mobility
If knee pain is affecting your quality of life, a detailed evaluation can help determine whether partial knee replacement is the right option for you.
Whether you are exploring treatment options or seeking a second opinion, expert care can help you make an informed decision and move forward with confidence.