Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in individuals with severe knee damage, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. During the procedure, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in individuals with severe knee damage, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. During the procedure, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
UKR, also known as a partial knee replacement, is a surgical procedure done to replace only one of the three compartments of the knee joint affected by arthritis or damage.
The knee joint has 3 compartments: medial (inner side), lateral (outer side), and patellofemoral (between the kneecap and the thigh bone) compartments.
Unlike Total knee replacement (TKR), which replaces all 3 compartments of the knee joint, a unicompartmental knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged compartment, most commonly the medial compartment. Although the longevity is not always the same as a TKR, a UKR preserves all the ligaments in the knee (specifically the cruciate ligaments of the knee) therefore giving it a very natural feeling knee with higher activity levels possible. Also when a UKR has to be converted to a TKR it is as if you are getting a primary TKR and not a revision TKR.
This procedure is suitable for patients who have arthritis or damage primarily confined to one compartment of the knee joint while the other compartments remain healthy.
It is important to understand that early OA (not bone-on-bone OA) is not an indication for a UKR but should rather be treated conservatively.
DOCTOR'S APPROACH
DOCTOR'S APPROACH
Mobile Bearing Uncemented Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement is a type of partial knee replacement surgery designed to treat arthritis or other joint issues in only one compartment of the knee, typically the medial compartment. Mobile bearing refers to the design of the knee prosthesis, which features a bearing surface that moves relative to the femoral component. This can provide more natural movement and reduce stress on surrounding tissues.
Uncemented is where the prosthetic components are designed to be fixed to the bone without the use of bone cement. Instead, the prosthesis has a porous surface that allows bone to grow into. The Oxford knee is a specific model known for its mobile bearing and focus on maintaining a high level of knee function. It aims to replicate natural knee mechanics. This approach can offer advantages such as smaller incision, less bone removal, quicker recovery, more natural feeling.
Total Knee Replacement
TKR is a surgical procedure to replace all 3 compartments of the knee joint that are affected by arthritis of the knee.
Arthritis is caused by many underlying factors or diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis (wear and tear), gout, previous injury (ligament injuries or fractures), or other inflammatory conditions.
During surgery the damaged portions of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal alloys and high-grade plastic in between. These components mimic the natural shape and function of the knee joint, allowing for improved stability, pain relief, and mobility.
Total knee replacement can be performed using various alignment techniques and different implant designs which affects the outcome.
It is considered a highly effective procedure with long-term success in reducing pain and improving function in the majority of patients.
DOCTOR'S APPROACH
DOCTOR'S APPROACH
Kinematic Alignment (KA) Medial Pivot Knee Replacement is a surgical technique that focuses on aligning the artificial knee to match the natural movement patterns and anatomical alignment of the patient’s original knee. In kinematic alignment, the surgeon positions the components of the knee prosthesis to mimic the natural knee’s kinematic behaviour, aiming to restore the natural joint mechanics and range of motion.
The medial pivot design is a specific type of knee prosthesis where the tibial component is designed to allow for more natural rotation around a medial pivot point, which can enhance stability and function. This approach can lead to Improved function, Reduced pain and more natural feel compared to traditional knee replacement techniques.
Revision Total Knee Replacement
A procedure performed to replace a previously implanted artificial knee joint with a new one or reconstruction after a total knee replacement.
This is necessary when the original knee replacement is painful or unstable because of malalignment, malrotation, ligament insufficiency, loose, infected or worn out.
Revision knee replacement surgery is more complex with higher complication rates than primary knee replacement. Therefore should be avoided at all cost with doing the primary TKR meticulously balanced and aligned.