Are You a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?

For many years, total knee replacements were the preferred procedure when replacing a damaged knee joint. However, with new innovations in robotic surgical technology and improved implants, partial knee replacement surgery is becoming more popular among top orthopedic surgeons. If you have knee damage from arthritis and are considering knee replacement surgery, you may be a good candidate for robotic unicondylar, or partial, knee replacement surgery. Here is what you need to know about this advanced option in joint repair.

What is Unicondylar Knee Replacement?

The knee joint has three main compartments or sections, the medial (inner), the lateral (outer) and the center, that intersect where the femur (thighbone), patella (kneecap) and tibia (shinbone) meet. All these bones have articular cartilage that covers the connecting surfaces, allowing them to slide over each other without friction. When one or all sections are damaged, it can cause inflammation, pain and reduced range of motion. In some cases, only one section of the knee is damaged, which is when a partial, or unicondylar, knee replacement can be performed.

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

With a unicondylar, or partial, knee replacement, only the damaged portion is replaced with an implant, versus all three components. This allows for more natural movement – patients report their knee feels like their original knee. The procedure is less invasive, removing less tissue. The surgery is also shorter and has fewer risks. Patients have a quicker recovery from partial knee replacements than with total knee replacements, especially surgeries performed using robotic-assisted technology.

Is Robotic Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?

Our experienced orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, can determine if you are a good candidate for robotic partial knee replacement surgery or if a total knee replacement is a better option. Good candidates for partial knee replacements have damage limited to one portion of the knee. The medial or inner side is most common, followed by the lateral/outside and the center (patellofemoral). Younger patients who want to remain active or older patients who need a less invasive procedure may be good candidates for this procedure.

If you have chronic knee pain that no longer responds well to conservative joint treatments, you may be a candidate for partial or total knee replacement. Contact us at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabaei to discuss robotic knee replacement at our clinic in Beverly Hills.