Uniknee replacement or unicompartmental knee replacement is similar to the total knee replacement, however the difference is that only one side of the knee that is affected by the osteoarthritis gets replaced. It is less complicated than the total knee replacement. It involves only smaller incisions, minimal bone loss and so it leads quicker recovery.
The healthy half of the knee joint is untouched. The prosthesis is not involved in interfering the existing nerves, tendons and ligaments. So, natural stability and balance are retained as usual as the other healthy half of the joint of the knee. The kneecap is positioned in the same place, so that the patient is enabled to regain its strength in the quadriceps.
Candidates for unicompartmental knee surgery
Candidates, who experience the following are eligible for the unicompartmental knee surgery.
- Candidates with osteoarthritis for the knee
- Candidates with the problem existing for only one knee
- Non surgical treatments are found not beneficial
- Quality of life is seriously affected
The knee that has the problem is divided into three compartments majorly.
- The medical compartment, which is inner part of the knee
- The lateral compartment, which is outer part of the knee
- The patellofemoral compartment, which is present at the front part of the knee and exists in between the thighbone and kneecap
Preparations for the Surgery
Every element and every action considered before the surgery is important and play vital role in the overall recovery and health of the knee. It is important to explore and understand the potential benefits as well as the risks associated with the unicompartmental knee replacement.
Procedure
Surgery and the kind of surgery is chosen by the surgeon, about the implant and incision for the knee. The amount of bone that has to be removed has to be determined by the surgeon, with the help of the alignment of the instruments. Then, the bone is removed from the shine bone and also from the thigh bone. Temporary trial is also preferred by the surgeon to ensure that the implant that is implanted is of the proper size. After the right size of the implant is selected, the implant is put at the end of the bones and then will be secured it with the help of the pegs. After the procedure is performed, the wound would be closed with the sutures.
Post Surgery
After the surgery, the patient will be given with the necessary equipment, like coolers or ice packs, continuous passive motion machine, crutches, etc., while leaving to home.
Advantages
- Minimally invasive option, as only 3 to 4 inches of incision is needed, when compared to the 8 to 12 inches incision for the total knee replacement
- Smaller scar, because of the smaller incision
- Less pain experienced after the surgery
- Quicker recovery
- Less loss of blood
Disadvantages
- Less pain relief predictable compared to the total knee replacement
- Potential need for further and other surgeries
Risks
Blood clots are commonly found after any of the surgeries and it can be prevented using the prescribed medication. Infection is also possible after the surgery and prevention of the same is possible with the prescribed antibiotics. Other complications are based on the individual medical conditions and factors. The individual factors that may contribute the risks and complications are weight, anatomy, medical pre history and prior surgeries.
Expected Outcomes
Most of the patients, who have gone through the unicompartmetntal or partial knee replacement surgeries, have expressed good or excellent outcomes.
Cost of Uniknee Replacement Surgery
The above Package Cost is a tentative Approximate Package Estimate, which includes initial investigations & specialists screening, stay in a Private Room wherein patient’s assistant or relative can also stay with patient, doctor / surgeon fee, nursing care, medicines & consumables, Airport Pick-Up & Drop.
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