Knee joint; It consists of three compartments, the inner half, the outer half and the joint between the knee cap and the knee. When the inner or outer half of the joint wears off, covering this area with prothesis is called partial prosthesis surgery.
In the early period of knee wear (calcification), only a portion of the knee may be worn, but in the case of deformity of the legs, only the inner or outer half of the joint may be worn. Generally, in our society, due to the distortion of the legs (O-leg shape) is more frequent, we see more frequent erosion of the inner knee. Rarely, we see patients with X-leg shape, and in this case the outer half also wears earlier.
In partial knee replacement surgery, unlike total knee surgery, only the worn part of the knee is intervened, and the other half and middle placed cross-ligaments are not intervened.
Early period of joint wear, so patients aged 50-60, or older patients with only the internal part of the joint worn, are suitable candidates for partial knee replacement.
If the operation is delayed further on the knee which have partial erosion with leg deformity, due to healthy part of the knee will be weared quickly; partial prothesis chance will be eliminated. These patients require total prosthesis surgery.
Today, thanks to the development of modern designs and good surgical technique, the 10-year survival of the partial knee prosthesis has reached 90%. Surgical technique’s goodness is very important for long survival. Because the mistakes in the partial knee prosthesis are not tolerated by the knee, due to the other half of the knee is intact. In our day, robotic systems has been developed to eliminate this problem as well.
Patients who come to consultation with knee calcification (arthrosis) are evaluated by inspection and X-Ray. If necessary, your physician may request MRI or X-Ray at different positions to understand that the other part of the knee is normal. However, the final decision is made in surgery. The decision is finalized by seeing the remaining part of the knee from the incision made for the partial knee prosthesis. During surgery, it is rarely seen that the other part of the knee is damaged as well, then cut is lengthened by 2 cm and total knee prosthesis can be started.
Patients can stand up one day after surgery and walk at full load. They can take short walks with a hand support.
Patients can stand up one day after surgery and walk at full load. They can take short walks with a hand support.
As average after 3 days, patients are discharged to home.
Sports such as swimming, cycling, golf and bowling that do not require sudden turning and splashing can be done. Competitive and hopping sports are not recommended.
It is possible for office workers to return to work after 6 weeks. Heavy-duty workers are at risk to premature loosening of the prosthesis.
Driving is permitted 6 weeks after surgery. The important thing here is to have leg strength to press the pedal when a sudden stop is required.