Partial Knee Replacement in Huntsville, AL

A partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgical procedure performed to address specific areas of damage or degeneration within your knee joint. Unlike a total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, a partial knee replacement only replaces the damaged portion of your knee while preserving the healthy parts.

One of the significant advantages of partial knee replacement is that it typically requires a smaller incision and involves less disruption to the surrounding tissues compared to a total knee replacement. As a result, patients often experience a quicker recovery, less pain, and a more normal feeling knee after surgery.

Here are the general steps of a partial knee replacement:

The selection of patients for partial knee replacement depends on several factors, including the extent and location of the knee damage, as well as the overall health and activity level of the patient. If your knee pain and dysfunction are limited to a specific compartment, and the rest of your knee is healthy, you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
During the procedure, a small incision is made over the affected area of your knee, allowing access to the damaged compartment while minimizing the disruption to surrounding tissues. Using specialized instruments, the damaged bone and cartilage is carefully removed from the affected compartment.
Next, an artificial joint is implanted, which consists of metal and plastic components, designed to replicate the natural movement of your knee joint. The metal component replaces the damaged bone, providing a stable foundation, while the plastic component acts as a cushion between the metal and allows for smooth gliding motion.
After surgery, you will have physical therapy and exercises aimed at restoring your knee’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It’s important to actively participate in the rehabilitation process to maximize your recovery and achieve the best possible outcome.

It’s important to note that every patient’s experience and recovery may vary. Ask Dr. Wills if you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement.