Dr. Berger follows the same procedure as total knee replacement, with one major difference during partial knee replacement. Dr. Berger carefully replaces the arthritic compartment of the knee while leaving the healthy side untouched.
Once all prosthesis pieces are in place, range of motion is tested by manually straightening and bending the patient’s knee. Surgery is finished by cleansing the inside of the knee with an antibiotic wash to prevent infection before closing the incision. On average, the whole process takes just over an hour.
After surgery, the patient is sent to a recovery room, where they are cared for by one of Dr. Berger’s nurses. A physical therapist will assist the patient in walking and climbing stairs and provide the appropriate assistive device, such as a cane. Once the patient has been thoroughly examined, they are discharged from the hospital the same day of surgery.
What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses damage in one specific area of the knee while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. This approach results in a more natural-feeling knee and quicker recovery compared to total knee replacement.
Dr. Richard Berger, a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, specializes in minimally invasive partial knee replacement procedures, helping patients return to their favorite activities with less pain and downtime.
Who Qualifies for a Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement is an excellent option for patients experiencing localized knee pain due to arthritis or injury. You may qualify if:
- Arthritis Is Limited: Damage is confined to one of the three compartments of the knee (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral).
- Ligaments Are Intact: The knee’s supporting ligaments, such as the ACL and PCL, are healthy and functional.
- Mobility Is Retained: The knee still has a good range of motion despite the pain.
- Non-Surgical Options Have Failed: Conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided lasting relief.
Dr. Berger evaluates each patient carefully to determine whether a partial knee replacement is the best option for their needs.
Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement
Dr. Berger’s minimally invasive partial knee replacement technique offers numerous advantages:
- Preserves Healthy Tissue: Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced, leaving healthy areas intact.
- Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions and reduced trauma to surrounding tissue allow patients to return to activities sooner.
- Less Pain: Advanced surgical techniques minimize post-operative discomfort.
- More Natural Feel: Retaining your natural ligaments and bone structure results in a knee that feels and functions more like your original joint.
- Same-Day Discharge: Many patients go home just hours after surgery, avoiding lengthy hospital stays.
Dr. Berger’s Minimally Invasive Technique
Dr. Berger uses cutting-edge, muscle-sparing techniques to minimize disruption to surrounding tissues during surgery. This innovative approach leads to:
- Shorter incisions.
- Reduced swelling and scarring.
- Quicker return to activities like walking, biking, and even sports.
