Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): The Full Guide

If you're dealing with arthritis in just one part of your knee, you might be a good candidate for partial knee replacement surgery. Partial knee replacement involves removing damaged tissue and bone in the affected area and replacing them with an artificial implant, called a prosthetic. The rest of your knee is left intact, and you'll likely have smaller incisions, which means a shorter recovery time.

The Partial Knee Replacement Procedure

Before the procedure gets started, you will be given you a little something to help you relax and feel no pain at all. It's called anesthesia, and it's there to make sure you're as comfortable as can be. You'll be given one of two types of anaesthetic, either: 

• General Anesthesia. This will make you asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
• Regional (spinal or epidural) anesthesia. You will feel a little numb below your waist and you will be given some relaxing or sleep-inducing medicines. 

Next, the surgeon will make a small incision over your knee. This incision is approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 centimeters) long. The surgeon then takes the time to examine the entire knee joint. In the event that damage is sustained to more than one part of your knee, a total knee replacement may be a viable option. In most cases, this is not necessary, as the tests conducted prior to the procedure would have identified the damage.

Following the removal of the damaged bone and tissue, a prosthesis is carefully placed into the knee. The prosthesis is crafted from a combination of plastic and metal. 

Once the part is in the proper place, it is attached with bone cement or fixed to the bone, if that is the best option, or if there are any other considerations that would make that the best option. At this point, the wound is typically closed with stitches or staples, depending on the circumstances and the preference of the medical team.

When is Knee Replacement Necessary?

One of the most common reasons for replacing a partial knee joint is to find relief from severe arthritis pain. You are likely to be suggested knee joint replacement if:

• Can’t have proper sleep at night because of knee pain
• Your knee pain hinders you from doing normal routine activities
• Your knee pain is not responding to other treatments 
• Your knee pain is affecting your mobility 

For those with arthritis in only one side or part of the knee, partial knee arthroplasty may be a suitable option to consider. In addition, you may be an ideal candidate for a partial knee replacement (PKR) if:

• Your knee does not have a very sever arthritis on the other side or under your kneecap.
• Your knee exhibits minor deformity
• Your knee demonstrates a good range of motion
• Your knee ligaments are stable

You may NOT be eligible for partial knee replacement if you have any of the following:

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Significant knee stiffness
• Ligament damage

In terms of age, the decision to have surgery is based on how much pain and disability you are experiencing, not on your age. Most patients who get a total knee replacement are between 50 and 80, but orthopaedic surgeons look at each patient individually. Also, your medical and physical condition may not allow you to have the procedure.

What are the Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement?

A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that the majority of patients who are suitable candidates for uni-compartmental knee replacement achieve positive outcomes with this procedure.

There are several benefits to partial knee replacement as opposed to total knee replacement:

• Faster recovery
• Less pain after surgery
• Reduced blood clots
• Decreased risk of infection

Additionally, the preservation of the bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the healthy portions of the knee often results in patients reporting a more natural sensation following a partial knee replacement than they would following a total knee replacement. Additionally, a partial knee may exhibit enhanced bending capabilities.

One disadvantage of partial knee replacement compared to total knee replacement is the potential need for additional surgery. For instance, a total knee replacement may be required at some point in the future if arthritis develops in the unoperated portions of the knee. The likelihood of requiring further surgical intervention is marginally higher for partial knee replacement than for total knee replacement.

Are there any Risks?

There are a few potential risks associated with this surgery, including:

• Blood clots. It's not uncommon for blood clots to form in the leg veins after knee replacement surgery. These clots can sometimes occur in the deeper veins of the legs or pelvis. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about your options, but in some cases, they may prescribe blood thinners, including oral medications such as aspirin.

• Infection. Following surgery, there is a possibility of infection occurring in the skin over the wound or deep within the wound. Such infections may occur at any point from days to years after the operation. Antibiotics will be administered prior to the commencement of surgery, and these are often continued for approximately 24 hours after surgery to prevent infection.

• Fluid accumulation in the knee joint
• Unsuccessful attachment of replacement part to the knee
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Continued pain

How to Prepare for the Procedure?

It's really important to tell your surgeon about all the medicines you're taking, including herbs, supplements and anything you've bought without a prescription. Your tasks for the two weeks before the surgery mainly include the following: 

• Prepare your home
• Inquire with your surgeon as to which medicines you can take on the day of surgery
• Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking blood thinners 
• You may be asked to stop taking any medicine that weakens your immune system
• Consult with your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions
• Provide your surgeon with your alcohol consumption rate
• Stop smoking as it slows healing and recovery
• Familiarize yourself with physical therapy exercises

Recovery

The majority of patients experience a swift recovery with significantly reduced pain levels compared to their preoperative status. Patients who undergo a partial knee replacement tend to recover more rapidly than those who undergo a total knee replacement.  

There are lots of different types of medicine that can help to control pain. These include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anaesthetics. Medication can help you feel more comfortable, which speeds up your body's healing and recovery from surgery.

A lot of people are able to walk without a cane or walker within three to four weeks after surgery. You'll need to do physical therapy for three to four months. It's generally fine to exercise after surgery, including walking, swimming, tennis, golf, and biking. For now, it's probably best to avoid high-impact activities like jogging.

Turkey Luxury Clinics is your ideal destination!

For most people, knee replacement is a total game-changer! It provides much-needed pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. And the best part? Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years!

Contact Turkey Luxury Clinics today to speak with our experienced orthopaedic team. They will be happy to provide you with a consultation on your case and recommend the optimal solution.