Partial Knee
Replacement
Certain patterns of arthritis lend themselves to a patient’s ability to undergo a partial knee replacement. Most commonly, localized arthritis affects the medial compartment of the knee. If the arthritis is contained within the medial aspect of the knee joint and the other remaining compartments are devoid of any cartilage damage, a patient may benefit from having only the medial compartment resurfaced. Partial knee replacements lend themselves to a quicker functional recovery following surgery. Additionally, this surgery is less invasive, requires less time, and is less painful to recover from.
Patients following a partial knee replacement are more likely to regain their preoperative range of motion and not suffer from stiffness which can sometimes be seen following a total knee replacement.
Partial knee replacements also lend themselves to being performed more readily as outpatient procedures, so that patients can return home the day of surgery. Patients will then begin a 6-8 week outpatient physical therapy program working on their range of motion and lower extremity strengthening so that they make a complete functional recovery.
Pre-Operative (anteroposterior)
Anteroposterior view of bilateral knees demonstrating bone on bone wear of the medial compartments leading to a bowed deformity
Post-Operative (anteroposterior)
Post-operative x-ray of bilateral partial knees demonstrating joint congruency and alignment restored
Post-Operative (lateral)
Post-operative x-ray of a partial knee replacement demonstrating joint congruency and alignment restored
Implants and Materials
For my unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedures, I use Smith and Nephew Journey Oxinium Femoral components with ZUK all-polyetheylene tibial components. This is due to the long track record and demonstrated excellent survivorship of the ZUK tibial component, and the ability to mate this to an Oxinium femoral component. Similar to my philosophy in selecting total knee implants, these partial knee implants decrease any potential risk for adverse local tissue reactions to metal debris.
I am 88 years old and had a partial left knee replacement surgery performed by Dr. Adam Sassoon in late June of 2020. I was, of course, hesitant given the current pandemic, but my pain became intolerable and I had great difficulty moving about my house. Dr. Sassoon spent much time explaining the procedure, listening to my concerns with empathy and answering all of my questions. I felt very comforted by his care in preparing me and setting expectations. The surgery went very smoothly and I noticed the horrible pain I previously had endured was gone. While I was, of course sore at first from the procedure, I was off pain medication within two weeks. I felt no further pain, just some initial tightness in my left knee which dissipated over time as I was diligent about making sure I did the exercises that Dr. Sassoon had given me. After six weeks, I had nearly 100% range of motion back in my left knee. I could get around my house independently and was, thankfully once again, able to drive my car. I was thrilled with Dr. Sassoon and his care and commitment to his patients. He even personally called me at home the day after surgery to ensure I was doing well. His associate, Jennifer Liu, expertise was also very attentive and caring. The entire experience could not have gone more smoothly. I very much appreciate Dr. Sassoon’s kindness, patience, skill and expertise in performing my partial knee replacement surgery. He is an extraordinary surgeon and I will recommend him to everyone I know who suffers with knee pain.