Partial Knee Replacement in Southeastern Wisconsin
What is a partial knee replacement?
If knee pain and stiffness is limiting your mobility, you may consider a partial knee replacement. A partial knee replacement is an effective solution that preserves more of your natural bone and leads to faster recovery compared to a total knee replacement. This surgical procedure may be a solution if your injury only affects one section of the knee instead of the entire joint.
What is replaced in a partial knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint.
The parts of the knee joint that typically need replacement include:
- Inner (medial)
- Outer (lateral)
- Front (patellofemoral)
Instead of resurfacing the entire joint, your surgeon removes worn-out cartilage and bone only from the affected area, replacing it with smooth, artificial implants that restore motion and reduce pain.
What conditions can a partial knee replacement treat?
A partial knee replacement is common for arthritis and joint damage.
It can help treat:
- Stiffness, swelling, or overall joint pain
- Osteoarthritis or age-related issues that break down cartilage in the knee joint
- Arthritis that develops after a previous knee injury like a fracture, tear, or damage
- Conditions where bone tissues die due to lack of blood supply (Avascular necrosis)
- Cartilage wear or injury limited to one part of the knee, not involving the entire joint
Am I a candidate?
You may be a good candidate for partial knee replacement if:
- Arthritis is confined to one compartment of your knee
- Your ligaments are intact, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- You maintain good knee stability and range of motion
- You’ve tried nonsurgical treatments (like medication, physical therapy, or injections) without enough relief
- Your orthopedic surgeon will confirm your eligibility through physical exams and imaging studies (like X-rays or MRI)
What to expect during a partial knee replacement?
Your surgeon will replace the parts of your knee joint that are damaged with prosthetic pieces. Most people need around six weeks to recover after a partial knee replacement, but you’ll be able to start moving and walking with assistance right away. The surgery takes about an hour and is a very common surgical procedure. Most people can go home the same day as a partial knee replacement. Your care team will let you know if you need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Schedule Your Partial Knee Replacement Consultation
If knee pain and stiffness are limiting your mobility, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin will evaluate whether a partial knee replacement is right for you.