Questions About the Unicompartmental Knee
| Q: | I have suffered from knee arthritis for many years. I cannot stand for short periods of time, such as when washing dishes, without pain. Standing produces a grinding sensation with pain. After activity my knee aches all night. Can this procedure provide relief? |
| A: | Yes. This is not considered normal for any adult and should be addressed with you physician. |
| Q: | What activity range can be expected after this surgical procedure? |
| A: | This surgical procedure is designed to repair the damaged area. Therefore, the remaining undamaged joint surface is your own functioning tissue. Due to the use of a prosthetic implant that minimizes bone replacement, pain can be relieved yet basic knee structures remain intact. Since most of the knee joint is unaffected, the recovery time is less then a total knee replacement. Golfing, lawn mowing, driving and light labor can normally be resumed within a few weeks, although recovery will vary with each patient. |
| Q: | What can I expect of the surgical experience? |
| A: | Operation - Approximately 1 hour Hospitalization - Normally 24 hours |
| Q: | My symptoms and X-rays fit the criterion for this procedure, however, I have been advised to wait until my knee is worse and then have a total knee replacement. |
| A: | Differences of opinion exist in treating knee arthritis. In total knee replacement the entire knee joint is replaced with metal and plastic. The recovery time from surgery and the life expectancy of the implant make it wise to wait as long as possible before a total knee replacement. Knee reconstruction with the Repicci® Unicompartmental knee implant is a conservative approach designed to aid in preserving functional knee tissue, with the hopes of avoiding, or at least prolonging necessity for future total knee replacement. |
| Q: | How long can I expect this prosthesis to last? |
| A: | All implants have a limited life expectancy depending on an individual's age, weight, and activity level and medical condition(s). The great advantage of this implant is that less bone is removed, therefore the joint is not greatly disturbed. This implant can be replaced or followed by other techniques, such as total joint replacement, if necessary in the future. |
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
The Implant
Who Can Benefit
Questions About the Unicompartmental Knee
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