Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Partial knee replacement retains more of the natural knee, and is typically an effective option for younger patients whose arthritis damage is limited to a single knee compartment. Contact Dr. Kruse to learn more »

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that causes joint pain, dysfunction, and limits range of motion. When affecting the knees, osteoarthritis makes everyday activities, such as walking, kneeling, or gardening, immensely painful.

Patients affected by osteoarthritis have several treatment options, including both conservative approaches and surgical solutions. Certain patients may be candidates for a new and innovative knee surgery, known as partial knee replacement, which can provide the benefits of minimally invasive surgery along with the restoration of joint function and limitation of pain. This procedure often allows patients to return to their previous lifestyles with relatively little pain.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is comprised of three main bones: the femur, the tibia, and the patella. The femur, or thighbone, forms a hinge joint with the tibia, or shinbone, which is covered by the patella, or kneecap, for protection. The joint formed by the femur and tibia, known as the tibiofemoral joint, features two distinct compartments: the medial (inside) compartment and the lateral (outside) compartment.

Knee Replacement Surgery

While total knee replacement surgery is typically reserved for older patients, a new procedure, known as partial knee replacement, is now an option for younger patients whose osteoarthritis is less developed and confined to one compartment.

Like total knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacement restores the knee joint’s function and significantly reduces the pain associated with knee arthritis. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement receive less noticeable scarring, less blood loss during surgery, and preserve more healthy bone and ligament, leading to a shorter recovery time.

Partial Knee Replacement for Unicompartmental Knee Arthritis

The severity of a patient’s osteoarthritis influences potential surgical treatment options. When osteoarthritis damages the knee joint, it can affect either compartment, with the medial compartment more commonly affected. Osteoarthritis may be confined to only one compartment, known as unicompartmental knee arthritis, making the patient a candidate for partial knee replacement. In this procedure, only the diseased compartment is replaced, allowing for the preservation of healthy bone.

Partial Knee Replacement vs. Total Knee Replacement Surgery

While total knee replacement involves the removal of the entire knee joint, including the attached ligaments, partial knee replacement only removes the damaged component of the knee. This allows for a more natural feeling post-operative knee joint and potentially less damage to the attached muscle and tissue.

Potential benefits of partial knee replacement include:

• Smaller incision
• Reduced scarring
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Quicker post-operative recovery period

Partial Knee Replacement in Minneapolis & St. Paul

Dr. Jay Kruse, Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializes in partial knee replacement and services the Twin Cities area from his two offices in Coon Rapids and Fridley, MN. Dr. Kruse evaluates all types of orthopedic problems, and focuses on applying new and innovative technologies that allow for less painful surgery and ensure a speedier recovery. For more information about partial knee replacement surgery, please schedule an appointment at Dr. Kruse’s offices in Coon Rapids and Fridley, MN, to discuss potential treatment options.