The Case for Partial Knee Replacement

The knee is composed of three separate compartments. Osteoarthritis often develops in only one compartment of the knee, while the other two compartments remain relatively healthy. Patients who have osteoarthritis in only one compartment, the inner side, may be candidates for partial knee replacement.
The Oxford partial knee implant from Biomet Orthopedics is a partial knee implant designed to repair only one side of the knee – the medial side – making it much smaller than a total knee implant. Unlike total knee replacement, which removes all of the knee joint surfaces, a partial knee replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint.
Some advantages of the Oxford partial knee replacement are that it removes 75 percent less bone and cartilage, is less painful, enables a more rapid recovery, and provides more natural motion when compared to a total knee replacement. By retaining all of the undamaged parts, the joint may bend and function more naturally.
Unlike other implants, the Oxford partial knee is currently the only fully mobile bearing partial knee system available in the United States. Research has shown that partial knee replacements with moveable plastic bearings have low wear rates, potentially giving them even longer life expectancies. The free floating nature of the device potentially provides for a more natural-feeling knee.
There is no guarantee that any implant will successfully function for a specific length of time, as there are a multitude of variables that affect the life of an implant. But those who have been told they need a total knee replacement may be a candidate for a partial replacement.
Shore Orthopaedic University Associates – shoreorthodocs.com
Office in Somers Point, Galloway and Cape May Court House
To see what your treatment options are for your arthritic knee, call to schedule a one-on-one physician consultation at 609-927-1991.
– By George C. Alber, MD