Partial Medial Knee Replacement

Partial Medial Knee Replacement Surgeon

Aging and joint conditions such as osteoarthritis may cause a breakdown of the cartilage of the inner knee. The condition can be treated by replacing only the medial part of the damaged knee. Knee replacement surgeon, Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and minimally-invasive partial medial knee replacement surgery in Minneapolis. He also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

• View Profile
• Request an Appointment

What is Partial Medial Knee Replacement?

Partial medial knee replacement is a surgery to replace only the medial part of your damaged knee. It is also called unicompartmental knee replacement.

Dr. Okoroha has extensive training in partial medial knee replacement and provides this service for patients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is one of the largest and complex joints in your body. The joint is connected to your thigh bones and bones of the lower leg by various ligaments. The knee joint is made of three compartments, the lateral, medial and patellofemoral compartments. The inside part of your knee is the medial compartment of the knee. It consists of a medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Indications for Partial Medial Knee Replacement

Aging and joint conditions such as osteoarthritis cause breakdown of the cartilage of your inner knee leading to pain and inflammation which may not respond to pain medications or non-surgical treatment and may need surgery. Damage to the medial side of your knee may also cause knee stiffness requiring surgery.

Diagnosis

Dr. Okoroha physically examines your knee by performing specific movements. The exact location and severity of the pain are essential to identify the type and extent of damage occurred. Dr. Okoroha will take your medical history and may order an X-ray, CT-scan or MRI to finalize the diagnosis.

Preparation for the Surgery

Talk to Dr. Okoroha about the medicines you are taking and those you should stop taking prior to the procedure. Inform Dr. Okoroha if you are allergic to any medicines or anesthesia.

Partial Medial Knee Replacement Procedure

• Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. The surgical procedure involves the following steps:
• You are positioned to lie on your back (supine position).
• The surgery is usually performed by arthroscopy. An arthroscope is a narrow tube with a tiny video camera on one end. The structures inside the knee are visible to Dr. Okoroha on a monitor in the operating room
• A few small incisions are made in the front and medial side of the knee and an arthroscope is inserted to view the surgical area.
• The damaged cartilage at the medial portion of your knee is debrided. Some amount of bone may also be removed.
• Metal components with a spacer in between are placed at the inner side of your knee to allow smooth gliding.
• The incisions are closed and covered with a dressing.

After the Surgery

You may have to stay at the hospital for about 3 days. Dr. Okoroha prescribes pain medications to keep you comfortable.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

Your physiotherapist instructs you on how to use your walker or crutches and may begin with light weight-bearing exercises. Specific physical exercises will help you recover fast. You must regularly follow-up with Dr. Okoroha and may return to sports after a few months with Dr. Okoroha’s approval.

Complications of the Surgery

Complications are rare. Some of the possible complications may include:

• Formation of blood clots
• Surgical site infection
• Wear and tear of the implant
• Injuries to ligaments or nerves
• Dislocation of the implant
• Patella problems

Advantages of the Surgery

The advantages of partial medial knee replacement surgery include:

• Smaller incision
• Minimum bone removal
• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter recovery period
• Blood transfusion rarely required
• Better movement in the knee
• Less need for physiotherapy
• Able to be more active than after a total knee replacement