PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT MELBOURNE
Partial Knee Replacement Melbourne – A patient’s guide
Dr Arash Riazi – MBBS, BSc (Med), FRACS (Ortho), F.A.Orth.A.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
This guide is to help you understand the benefits and limitations of knee replacement surgery.
It explains what partial knee replacement surgery is, who could benefit, what to expect, potential complications and recovery information that may help you get the best results from your surgery.
If you have any questions about partial knee replacement surgery, please contact my offices using the details below.”
Dr Arash Riazi – Orthopaedic Surgeon
If you have any questions please call
(03) 9898 4216
New patients welcome.
Please bring a referral from your GP or Specialist.
Partial Knee Replacement Melbourne
What is it
A partial knee replacement, also know as a unicompartmental knee replacement is where only the damaged portion of the knee is resurfaced and replaced with artificial components.
This surgery is particularly useful if the patient has less severe osteoarthritis and the damage only affects one side of the knee joint.
It is an alternative to a total knee replacement if the patients meet all the criteria for surgery.
Dr Riazi’s – Help centre
What is Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis causes a joint to become painful and stiff as the cartilage, the smooth, cushioning substance on the end of bones becomes permanently damaged.
Cartilage helps to protect the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints and allows joints to move smoothly. When cartilage is damaged it loses its smooth surface and becomes rough or uneven, leading to problems and pain in the affected joints.
Partial knee replacement vs Total knee replacement
Advantages
During a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced with a prosthesis, this allows a smaller incision to be made.
In most cases, this results in an increased range of motion, as the ligaments and cartilage have been preserved resulting in more natural knee movement. Most partial knee replacement surgeries involve:
- Faster recovery time
- Less invasive surgery
- Less blood loss
There are several factors In choosing the right treatment option for your knee, such as age, bone density, knee stiffness and ligament damage. Dr Riazi will take these into account as well as your goals in recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for you
Recovery
Your knee function should potentially return faster than it would with a total knee replacement and with less pain. We aim to have you out of bed as soon as possible after the procedure as this will really help speed up your recovery as well as reducing the chances of a blood clot.
You will be seen by a physiotherapist who will help get you out of bed and moving short distances. Some patients are able to start moving on the same day as the procedure whilst others start moving on day 1 post operatively. The physiotherapist will help you progress until you are moving independently.
Because a partial knee replacement is less invasive than a total knee replacement, patients are able to go home sooner, usually 2 days after surgery. Our physiotherapist will teach you exercises that will help strengthen your muscles. These can cause some discomfort and swelling.
You will be prescribed painkillers to take home and it is important to take these as instructed as managing your pain effectively will also help you mobilise and carry out these exercises to ensure your recovery.
Everyone heals differently however we aim to have you back to normal activity in about 6-8 weeks. Activities like tennis, swimming and skiing are ok but it may take you longer to return to impact exercises such as running.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT MELBOURNE
IMPORTANT NOTE
This information is designed to be a guide only. Every patient has unique needs and will react differently to surgery, pain management and recovery approaches.
If you would like more details or have any worries or questions about partial knee replacement surgery please contact my offices so I may address your concerns.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT MELBOURNE
Dr Riazi consults with public and private orthopaedic patients from all over Melbourne in relation to partial knee replacement surgery. His current consulting locations include Epworth Eastern Hospital in Box Hill and Box Hill Hospital (Eastern Health) in Box Hill.