Partial Knee Replacement
Knee injuries and arthritis can make the joint painful, stiff, and immobile. Knee pain can be distressing and frustrating, making it difficult to walk, work, and play. The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides a specialist service for the assessment, diagnosis, and expert management of knee problems. The internationally renowned consultants offer bespoke treatment programmes for knee pain, in a state-of-the-art Central London clinic.
If your knee pain is limiting your activity and affecting your quality of life, the expert surgeons at the London Orthopaedic Clinic can operate to replace all or part of the damaged knee joint, relieving pain, and restoring mobility.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s leading knee specialists operate in cutting-edge theatres using the very latest prosthetic technology. They work with an expert multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Together they will carefully prepare you for surgery, operate to replace the damaged bit of your knee, and support your healthy recovery.
How does arthritis affect the knee?
In a healthy knee, the joint surfaces are covered with pads of cartilage. The cartilage allows the bones to slide smoothly over each other and act as shock absorbers. Injuries, inflammation, and overuse can damage the cartilage or make it degenerate. In an arthritic knee, the joint space becomes progressively narrower, so that the bones may rub against each other. Consequently, the knee becomes stiff and sore.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers a comprehensive range of treatments for knee arthritis. Weight loss, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, and exercise can help many people. However, if your pain affects your life and your wellbeing, the specialist knee surgeons can retain the healthy bone and cartilage, remove the damaged parts of the joint, and replace them with high-tech prosthetic devices.
What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon only replaces the damaged part of the knee. It is effective in treating severe knee arthritis that only affects a part of the joint. The orthpaedic surgeon excises the diseased joint surfaces and replaces them with state-of-the-art metal and plastic prostheses.
The specific procedure depends on the part of the joint affected by arthritis. The surgeon may replace the end of the femur or thigh bone, the end of the tibia or lower leg bone, and in
some partial knee replacements, the area of the joint below the kneecap is replaced.
Total and partial knee replacements are among the most commonly performed orthopaedic operations. In the hands of expert orthopaedic surgeons, like the consultants at the London Orthopaedic Clinic, most people will have rapid relief from pain, improved movement, and better quality of life.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers an extensive range of high-tech prostheses for partial knee replacement. Your specialist surgeon will assess your knee, arrange investigations to provide more information, then recommend the best device for your knee and your lifestyle.
What happens in partial knee replacement surgery?
Your surgeon will usually perform partial knee replacement surgery under general anaesthetic. However, depending on your general health and personal preferences, a regional block (in which you are numb from the waist down) may be the preferred option.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s consultants use the latest technology and innovative surgical techniques. Many partial knee replacements are performed laparoscopically, as keyhole procedures. The Clinic also offers computer-navigated knee replacement. This revolutionary technique supports the surgeon's skill; it allows highly accurate prosthesis placement, a quicker recovery, and an earlier return to normal activities.
Complications of partial knee replacement
There are risks with all types of surgery. Bleeding, pain, infection, and the development of blood clots are all potential complications. The surgeons and staff at the London Orthopaedic Clinic have extensive experience and expertise, which helps reduce the risk of problems.
Complications are uncommon. However, partial knee replacement can be associated with nerve damage, joint dislocation, ongoing pain, and the failure of the bones to heal and mesh with the replacement.
Partial knee replacement usually provides excellent results, helping reduce pain and improve movement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss any potential risks, answer all your questions, and explain the careful measures that the London Orthopaedic Clinic takes to prevent problems.
Recovery from partial knee replacement
Your consultant, the ward staff, and the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team will support your healthy recuperation.
The speed of individual recovery will depend on pre-operative health and fitness. However, most people can get on their feet within twenty-four hours of partial knee replacement, with physio assistance. You should be able to go home one to four days after surgery, with a bespoke programme of controlled mobilisation and gentle exercises.
Your consultant will arrange for follow-up in outpatients after six weeks. However, the London Orthopaedic Clinic's surgeons and staff can always offer support, advice, and treatment if you have problems or concerns.
Why choose the London Orthopaedic Clinic?
The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides high-quality, expert orthopaedic, and musculoskeletal care tailored to the individual needs of our patients. The Clinic is based at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, at the heart of London's internationally renowned Harley Street medical district. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, management, and personalised care.
The expert multidisciplinary team includes more than 25 leading orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, pain management specialists, and radiologists. They work together to reduce pain, improve movement, and make a real difference to patients' lives.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers patients something truly unique: access to world-leading experts, high-tech imaging, and the latest innovative treatments, together with the feeling of trust and safety of a small family practice.
Partial knee replacement costs
Your health insurance policy may cover partial knee replacement at the London Orthopaedic Clinic. Competitive packages are also available for self-paying patients. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.