What are the benefits of partial knee/ligament-preserving knee replacements?

In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part or compartment of the knee is replaced with metal and plastic. The healthy parts of the knee are left alone. By using the ligament preservation technique both the ligaments ACL and PCL can be kept intact. Thus this technique makes partial knee replacement beneficial for young active patients, who want to do sporting activities and lead a very active lifestyle by achieving normal function in the knee.

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, or ligament-preserving knee replacement, offers several benefits compared to total knee replacement (TKR) in certain patients with specific knee joint conditions.

Some of the benefits of partial include:

1.      Less invasive surgery: Partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure compared to TKR, as it involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint while preserving the healthy parts of the knee. This typically results in smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and less blood loss, which can lead to a quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.

2.      Faster recovery: Due to the smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, patients who undergo partial knee replacement often experience a faster recovery compared to TKR. They may have a shorter hospital stay, require less postoperative pain medication, and are able to return to normal activities and work sooner.

3.      More natural knee joint mechanics: Partial knee replacements aim to preserve the natural knee joint mechanics, including the ligaments and soft tissues, which can help maintain a more normal range of motion and knee function. This can result in a more natural feeling knee joint after surgery, with better joint stability and proprioception.

4.      Preservation of healthy bone and cartilage: Partial knee replacement preserves healthy bone and cartilage in the knee joint, as only the damaged part of the knee is replaced. This can be advantageous for younger patients who may require future revision surgeries, as it leaves more bone and cartilage intact for potential future procedures.

5.      Lower risk of complications: Partial knee replacement has been associated with a lower risk of complications, such as infection, blood clots, and implant wear and tear, compared to TKR. This may be due to the smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and preservation of healthy knee structures.

6.      Potential for improved long-term outcomes: Studies have shown that in properly selected patients, partial knee replacement can result in comparable or even better long-term outcomes compared to TKR, including pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction.

It's important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for partial knee or ligament-preserving knee replacements, as they require careful patient selection and evaluation by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Each patient's condition is unique, and the decision regarding the most appropriate type of knee replacement surgery should be made individually after a thorough evaluation of the patient's knee joint condition, overall health, and other relevant factors.