Partial knee replacement

Bone and ligament sparing partial knee replacement

Partial knee replacement

journeyuni Partial knee replacement has been around as a surgical option since the 1970s. Today, partial knee replacement with the JOURNEY^◊ UNI knee implant is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that may provide several key benefits to patients whose arthritis is confined to a single compartment of their knee, have a moderately active lifestyle and are within normal weight ranges.

First, let's discuss what is meant by the term minimally invasive surgery or MIS. To be clear, MIS is still a surgical procedure and therefore carries the same risks associated with other surgeries.

However, because it uses specially designed surgical instruments, MIS wth the JOURNEY UNI implant is able to prepare the bones of your knee and then properly place your new implant using a smaller incision than traditional knee replacement. Also, because the implant only replaces one compartment of your knee, there is less bone removed and typically less disturbance to the tissue surrounding the knee than in traditional knee replacement surgery.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, partial knee replacement patients usually spend less time in the hospital, have less blood loss, and return to normal activities sooner than do total knee replacement patients. Partial knee replacement patients may also experience better early flexion, less pain after surgery and more natural feeling outcome.

Potential benefits of JOURNEY UNI knee replacement compared with total knee replacement

No disruption of the knee cap
Less blood loss
Possibility for less post-operative pain
Faster rehab/recovery time
Better early range of motion

Important: Individual results may vary.

Important safety notes

Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with knee replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon's limitations on activity level are not followed.

Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

References

//orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00585
Laurencin CT, Zelicof SB, Scott RD, Ewald FC. Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty in the same patient. A comparative study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991; (273):151-156
Based on the JOURNEY UNI surgical technique

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

OXINIUM^◊ Technology

If it is determined that a JOURNEY UNI implant is right for you, the femoral - or thighbone portion - of your implant may be made from OXINIUM Oxidized Zirconium - a patented and award winning metal alloy that Smith & Nephew spent more than a decade developing. The JOURNEY UNI is the only partial knee implant marketed that features this remarkable material. During manufacture, OXINIUM implants undergo a process that transforms the implant's surface into a hard, ceramicised metal; a combination that offers the smooth, hard surface of a ceramic, as well as the strength and durability of a metal. Because of this unique combination, OXINIUM implants are more than twice as hard cobalt chrome implants (the material most commonly used in knee implants) and therefore more than twice as resistant to the kind of scratching that can cause an implant to wear out before its time.

Important Safety Notes:

Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

Only replace what is damaged

Knee anatomy

The knee joint is the point at which the femur bone of the thigh meets the tibia bone of the lower leg. All the components of the knee - bones, cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, tendons and muscles - must work together properly for the knee to move smoothly. Cartilage is a protective cushioning that keeps the bones from rubbing against one another. In a healthy knee, a thin, smooth tissue liner called the synovial membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the knee, reducing friction as the bones move. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) gets worn away, causing the two bones to scrape against each other. When this happens, the joint can become pitted, eroded and uneven, often resulting in pain, stiffness and instability. While this type of arthritis damage often happens throughout the entire joint, for some patients it can be localized in a single compartment of the knee. If the damage is localized to a single compartment, treatment with partial knee replacement may be an option. Because the JOURNEY^◊ UNI implant only replaces the damaged bone and cartilage of a either the medial or lateral compartment of your knee, the rest your natural knee's structure is retained.

Potential benefits of partial knee replacement compared with total knee replacement

(Results may vary)

No disruption of the knee cap¹
Less blood loss²
Possibility for less post-operative pain²
Faster rehab/recovery time²
Better range of motion³

Important safety notes

Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

References

Based on ZUK surgical technique/li>
//orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00585/li>
Laurencin CT, Zelicof SB, Scott RD, Ewald FC. Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty in the same patient. A comparative study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991; (273):151-156

?Understanding the procedure

Description of the JOURNEY^◊ UNI partial knee implant procedure

The JOURNEY UNI surgical procedure allows your surgeon to access, remove and accurately replace only the damaged surface of your knee - leaving your healthy bone intact. Below is a brief description of the procedure:

An incision is made to expose the damaged joint
The end of the femur and top of the tibia are shaped to accommodate the JOURNEY UNI Knee components
Trial components are placed to ensure proper alignment
Once properly aligned, the trial components are removed
The femoral and tibial JOURNEY UNI components are implanted
The incision is closed.

Post-operative protocol

After leaving the operating room, you will most likely be transported to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored before returning to your room. Once you have returned to your room and your surgeon has given approval, you may begin the post-operative rehabilitation process. Your surgeon may recommend the following to begin rehabilitation while you are still in the hospital:

Ice and elevation to reduce pain and swelling in your knee
A continuous passive motion machine that will promote the return of your knee's range of motion
Walking with a walker or crutches on your first day after surgery

What to expect

On average, this type of surgery takes approximately one to three hours, depending on your individual circumstances.
Usually you'll be ready to return to your room after one to three hours in recovery.
After surgery, your pain may be managed via intravenous therapy and/or a pain pump and/or injection and/or pills given by mouth.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to walk with the aid of a walker or cane the day after surgery.
It is normal for your joint to remain warm, swollen and slightly tender for a number of weeks. Call your doctor immediately, however, if you notice:
- Increased pain, redness or swelling
- Incision drainage
- Prolonged nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Tenderness in the calf or thigh of the operated leg
- A fever
Most patients are ready to drive a car about eight weeks after surgery, but not unless your surgeon authorizes it.
Recovery varies greatly based on individual factors but most patients resume normal activities in about 12 weeks following surgery.

Important safety notes

Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

Journey II Implant

Partial knee replacement

Bone and ligament sparing partial knee replacement