MIS Partial Knee Procedure

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MIS Partial Knee Procedure in Bethesda, MD

As the baby-boomer generation begins to feel the effects of aging, more people than ever have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. In fact, 30 million individuals struggle with the disease in the United States alone. In the past, when patients came to us with knee pain due to arthritis, total knee replacement was often their only solution, which involves the full removal of cartilage from the joint and the insertion of an implant

Today, however, there is a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) alternative — a partial knee replacement. When you come to OrthoBethesda, we will take the time to understand your individual condition to determine if partial knee surgery is the best option for you.

 

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause cartilage found in the knee joint to break down. Because the cartilage serves as a buffer between bones, this breakdown causes friction to develop between the bones leading to pain and eventual loss of joint mobility. Patients also find that they’re unable to bear weight on their knee.

Also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, partial knee replacement surgery is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. We generally recommend this procedure for patients whose symptoms only impact one side (or condyle) of the knee.

Your physician removes only the diseased portion of the knee and inserts an implant, or prosthetic, using an MIS procedure. Healthy parts of the knee joint are left in place for continued use.

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

There are many benefits patients experience when they qualify for MIS partial knee replacement surgery, such as:

  • Smaller scar: In general, the incision is only two to three inches long.
  • Less time in the hospital: Partial knee replacements are often conducted as an outpatient procedure minimizing hospitalization.
  • Quicker recovery time: Usually patients recover within five weeks. However, this varies from person to person.

The Zimmer MIS High Flex Partial Knee System

Partial knee replacements have come a long way. Since being introduced over 30 years ago, this surgical solution has evolved, and today those who undergo this minimally invasive procedure can have greater mobility with improved implants. One such option is the Zimmer MIS High Flex Partial Knee system.

This partial knee implant gives patients greater bending capabilities. Although the implant does not guarantee high flexion, it allows more active patients the ability to achieve this.

Many other implants used in both partial and total knee replacements do not allow for deep knee bending. However, using minimally invasive techniques, the Zimmer MIS High Flex Partial Knee implant gives candidates a greater range of motion when compared to non-high flex options, and many patients enjoy a nearly full range of motion.

Further Reading

How Much You Should Walk After a Knee Replacement

Best Positions to Sleep in After a Knee Replacement

 

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Call OrthoBethesda to Find out More About MIS Partial Knee Surgery

If osteoarthritis has damaged a portion of your knee joint, then you may qualify for non-invasive partial knee surgery. Contact OrthoBethesda to speak with our highly trained team of orthopedic specialists. We can discuss options ranging from conservative measures to minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. We can also talk about more advanced implant options. Call us to make your appointment today at (301) 530-1010.