The case for partial knee replacement | Health & Fitness.

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.

Submitted by Dr. George C. Alber at Shore Orthopedic University Associates. To see what your treatment options are for your arthritic knee, call to schedule a consultation at (609) 927-1991.

Related articles

• Knee implants: more evidence needed? (earlsview.com)
• Variability in Costs Associated with Total Hip and Knee Replacement Implants (earlsview.com)
• My tailor-made knee | Health | Express.co.uk (earlsview.com)
• Zimmer Knee Failure | Zimmer Knee Lawyer (earlsview.com)
• CSU-developed implant shows promise (earlsview.com)
• Joint Replacements For Baby Boomers (earlsview.com)
• What Is Knee Replacement Surgery? What Is Knee Arthroplasty? (medicalnewstoday.com)
• New research uses stem cells as possible treatment for arthritis | CTVNews (earlsview.com)
• Orthopedics device startup wants to win share by providing customized knee implants (medcitynews.com)
• All-metal hips ‘wear down faster’ – Health – Warwick Courier (earlsview.com)