Why is this procedure done?
Many people suffer from a type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage which helps our joints move can wear down and cause the bones to rub against each other. This causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of movement. ‚
The knee is made up of three parts. These are also called compartments. For some patients, only one or two parts of the joint are affected by osteoarthritis. Partial knee resurfacing is surgery to replace only the part of the knee joint that is damaged, not the whole knee. This method spares the healthy bone and tissue near the joint from being damaged. ‚
One method takes a computer picture of the bone surface. This picture is then used to plan the surgery and to help guide a robotic arm. The arm carries the needed cutting tools during surgery. This method is more precise and may give a faster healing time and better results. ‚
Since there are a few types of knee implants and methods of surgery, your doctor will help you decide which one is the right choice for your knee problem. ‚
This procedure is used: ‚
- To ease very bad knee pain
- To give better range of motion
- When only a part of the knee is damaged
- When other care methods like weight loss, exercise, and drugs have not helped
- When pain limits normal daily routine
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- More normal feeling knee
- A smaller scar
- Less bleeding
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster healing time
- Less rehab
- More healthy bone is left to be used if a total knee replacement is ever needed
What happens before the procedure?
- A few weeks before the surgery, your doctor may have you:
- Start an exercise program.
- Start a weight loss program if you are overweight.
- You may be asked to stop smoking if you are a smoker.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may do:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- A small 2 to 4 inch cut is made to get to the knee joint and cartilage. Your doctor will remove all the damaged parts of the knee and replace them with man-made parts. The healthy bone that is left is shaped to fit your implant. The doctor will use special cements to attach the new parts.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely. You will get drugs to help you with the pain.
- Your leg will be wrapped in an ace bandage. The staff will put ice on your knee to help with pain and swelling.
- Based on the type of implant you get, you may go home the same day or you may need to stay for a few nights in the hospital.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Stiff joints
- Not able to get the implant in the best position
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00405 ‚
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=32 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚