Uni Condylar Knee Replacement

Uni Condylar Knee Replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that consists of replacing the damaged compartment of the knee with an implant. This procedure is more commonly referred to as partial knee replacement.

This surgical procedure is a solution to dealing with the damage of severe osteoarthritis of the knee, or similar deterioration. The difference between uni condylar knee replacement and total knee replacement is that the latter consists of removing all the damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with prosthetics. Uni condylar knee replacement is the best option for people whose arthritis is confined to one of the three compartments of the knee, whether that’s the patellofemoral compartment, the medial compartment, or the lateral compartment.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common disease and it has a hundred variations, but it’s characterized by joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, among other symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and it can affect the knee by wearing down the cartilage. This is most common with elders and it’s the cause of great pain and limited range of motion.

Causes of Arthritis

It’s actually very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for arthritis in any given case, but the most common causes include injury, trauma, weight, infection, inflammation, and connective tissue disorders. Old age, genetics and gender can also play a role.

Arthritis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Knee arthritis is characterized by knee pain, which is most evident after running, walking, climbing stairs and even kneeling. It can also cause your knee to stiffen, become swollen, and the range of motion can be greatly limited. Knee deformities are also a possibility.

Your doctor can diagnose knee arthritis by reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination and ordering advanced diagnostic tests and scans.

Uni Condylar Knee Replacement

This procedure can be recommended if conservative treatment options such as medication, injections, and physical therapy don’t help you manage pain.

Uni Condylar Knee Replacement involves making a small incision over the knee and removing the damaged part of the meniscus in order to replace it with a bone implant that can be either taken from your shin or thigh bone. The component is put in place and held with bone cement, and then the damaged part of the femur or thigh bone is removed to make place for the metal component. Before closing the incision, the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint are repaired as needed.

Uni Condylar Knee Replacement Post-Operative Care

After the surgery, you’ll be able to walk with a walker or a cane for the first two weeks. Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process and the program can last 4 to 6 months. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and biking can be done, but high-impact exercises should be avoided.

Uni Condylar Knee Replacement Risks & Complications

Just like any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks and complications that could happen, such as stiffness, infection, ligament injuries, blood clots, implant loosening, patella dislocation, and others.

However, Uni Condylar Knee Replacement has a lot of advantages, including reduced blood loss, small incision, quick recovery, less recovery pain, and better range of motion.

You can further ensure the benefits of Uni Condylar Knee Replacement Surgery by carefully selecting the orthopedic surgeon that will perform the operation. Having an experienced and capable surgeon perform your surgery will reduce the likelihood for risks and also provide you with an elite opinion as to pre and post-operative best practices to avoid complications.