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NEWS & EVENTS
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Oxford Unicompartmental Knee
Joint deterioration can affect every aspect of a person's life. In its early stages, it is common for people to ignore the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but as the disease progresses, activities like walking, driving, and standing become challenging, painful, and more difficult.
This brochure will help you understand basic knee anatomy, arthritis, and Rapid recovery unicompartmental knee replacement surgery. This brochure is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the expert guidance of your orthopedic surgeon. Any question or concerns you may have should be directed to your orthopedic surgeon.
The Knee
The knee is a complex joint consisting of bones and healthy cartilage. The end of your femur (thighbone) can be compared to a rocking chair. It has two distinct surfaces called compartments, which rest on the tibia (shin bone). A third compartment is found behind the patella (kneecap), and all three compartments are covered with cartilage to help cushion and lubricate the bones during movement.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear and tear condition that destroys joint cartilage and typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move. If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend knee replacement.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental (partial knee replacement surgery can be an extremely successful surgical procedure. The first unicompartmental knee replacement procedure was performed more than 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of people have received unicompartmental knee replacements.
Unicompartmental knee replacement surgery is a fairly routine procedure with more than 30,000 being performed every year in the United States alone.
The word replacement makes one think that surgeons remove the entire knee. In truth, your surgeon only removes the damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of the bones in your joint.
The traditional approach to total knee replacement uses implants to resurface all three compartments of the knee.
However total knee replacement ma not be necessary for every patient.
Rapid Recovery Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee implant from Biomet Orthopedics is a partial knee implant designed to repair only one of tree compartments making it much smaller than a total knee implant. The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee is currently the only fully mobile bearing unicompartmenal knee system available in the United States. U.S. surgeons and patients now have access to a system with excellent clinical results. Research has shown that the newer types of unicompartmental knee replacements, particularly those with moveable plastic bearings like the Oxford Unicompartmental Knee, have low wear rates, potentially giving them even longer life expectancies.*
Rapid Recovery minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement is performed through an incision up to half the length of a traditional knee replacement incision, surgeons can perform surgery through such a short incision because the use instruments specifically designed to move around soft tissue.
The benefits of a unicompartmental knee replacement may nclude a less invasive surgery and a smaller incision. The procedure also removes less tissue from both the tibia and femur than a total knee, because only the damaged bone and cartilage are removed. Since the implant saves more tissue, a future total knee replacement can be more easily performed, if it is necessary.
Patients are sometimes required to donate blood before a total knee replacement. With th unicompartmnetal technique, blood transfusions are generally not needed. Most patients walk on their surgical leg the same day as surgery and can possibly be discharge within 24 ours of surgery. Some patients may need to use a walker or a cane for the first week after surgery.
In addition to a shorter incision, surgeons using the Rapid Recovery Program have implemented a highly organized treatment plant for their patients' physical and mental health. Rapid Recovery patients are educated with a variety of materials. The comprehensive educational materials will help patients understand the surgical procedure and is outcomes.
Rapid Recovery patients may begin strengthening exercises before surgery to help them prepare for surgery and their recovery. Patients may also be given a comprehensive nutrition plan to help ensure optimum health before surgery.
Rapid Recovery surgeons may also implement a unique pain management program during surgery that is designed to dramatically reduce a patients' pain after surgery. Reducing patients' pain after surgery is critical to helping the patient begin their rehabilitation therapy and to help them make a Rapid Recovery.
Complications
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever, and factors such as patient's activities and weight can affect longevity.
However, the procedure can allow you to return to certain activities more quickly and with much less pain. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up to date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.
Rapid recovery
Recovery after minimally invasive Oxford Unicompartmental Knee replacement is substantially reduced as compared to recovery from traditional total knee replacement. Every person's recovery time will vary but most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to these activities and will also tell you the activities to avoid.
Most patients are typically not allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the joints which could lead to complications.
Summary
We realize that the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope that this brochure has helped you understand the basics of minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This brochure is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.
*Price, A.; et al.: "Ten-Year In Vivo Wear of a Fully Congruent Mobile Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty," AAOS, Paper No. 58, 2004.
Oxford is a trademark of Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
Biomet is a manufacturer of orthopedic implants and does not practice medicine. This brochure was prepared in conjunction with a licensed physician and is presented as general information only. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine what treatment is appropriate. Individual results of total joint replacement may vary. The life of any implant will depend on your weight, age, activity level, and other factors. For more information on risks, warnings, and possible adverse effects, see the Patient Risk Information section found within Biomet.com. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding your particular condition or treatment options.
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