Partial Knee Replacement
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Vasili Karas, M.D., M.S.
Hip and Knee Replacement and Reconstruction located in Chicago, IL & Oak Park, IL
If you have osteoarthritis or damage that’s confined to only one portion of your knee, partial knee replacement may be right for you. Orthopaedic surgeon and knee replacement and reconstruction specialist Vasili Karas, MD, MS, performs partial knee replacement procedures at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH. To see if you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive partial knee replacement, call the office in Chicago or book an appointment online today.
Partial Knee Replacement Q & A
What is partial knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic parts. Partial, or unicompartmental, knee replacement, replaces only one portion of the knee joint.
This procedure is a less-invasive alternative to total knee replacement if you have damage that’s confined to only one area of the knee. Dr. Karas is passionate about getting you back on your feet as quickly and safely as he can, so he always performs the least-invasive procedure possible.
What is minimally invasive partial knee replacement?
Minimally invasive partial knee replacement, also called mini knee surgery, uses a smaller incision and causes less damage to healthy tissue. This technique offers many benefits, such as:
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Easier recovery
- Faster recovery
Minimally invasive partial knee replacement isn’t appropriate for everyone. In fact, only about 10% of patients are good candidates for this procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Karas thoroughly evaluates your condition to determine if mini knee surgery is right for you.
Why would I need a partial knee replacement?
You may need a partial knee replacement if you suffer from osteoarthritis or another condition that causes damage to only one compartment of your knee. When knee pain or limited mobility doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, Dr. Karas may recommend surgery.
The goal of partial knee replacement is to restore normal functioning and relieve pain so you can return to your favorite activities, like playing with grandchildren or walking in the park.
What should I expect from partial knee replacement surgery?
First, Dr. Karas spends time listening to your specific concerns, fears, and expectations for knee replacement surgery. He believes in fostering strong communication and is happy to answer any questions you may have before the procedure.
Dr. Karas performs rapid recovery knee replacement procedures, so you can look forward to a shorter hospital stay. Many of his patients go home after one day, or even the same day, after partial knee replacement surgery.
During surgery, you’re usually asleep under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a couple of hours, and Dr. Karas provides you with instructions on how to care for your knee at home.
To learn more about minimally invasive and rapid recovery options for partial knee replacement, call Chicago Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine or book an appointment online.
