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| About the Knee |
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| Partial Knee Replacement |
| Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement |
| Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Knee |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Partial Knee Replacement
In patients with only limited knee arthritis, surgeons may elect to perform a unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement. Unlike total knee replacement involving removal of all the knee joint surfaces, a unicompartmental knee replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis usually occurs first in the medial (inside) compartment as this side of the knee bears most of the weight. In knees that are otherwise healthy, a unicompartmental approach allows the outer compartment and all ligaments to remain intact. By retaining all of the undamaged parts, the joint may bend better and function more naturally.
Replacement Procedure Developed in conjunction with John Repicci, MD, the Repicci II® is a partial knee replacement designed to remove as little bone from the knee as possible. The entire surgery is performed through a very small incision, with minimal trauma to surrounding soft tissue. As a result, Dr. Repicci has reported that many patients leave the hospital on the day of, or the day after surgery, and are back to work within two weeks.1 The Repicci approach has demonstrated excellent results, with a 96% success rate after 5-8 years.2
The Oxford® Unicompartmental Knee System - Leading surgeons in Oxford, England along with engineers at Biomet, developed the Oxford® Unicompartmental Knee System. Its the only FDA-approved, free-floating meniscal partial knee system available in the United States and has been utilized throughout Europe for more than two decades.
In a healthy knee, the meniscus serves as a shock absorber between the ends of the bones. The Oxford is the first partial implant with an artificial meniscal bearing designed to glide freely throughout the knees range of motion, more closely replicating normal movement. The free-floating nature of the device also improves durability of the implant.
Published long-term clinical results on the Oxford® Knee demonstrated a 98% success rate at 10 years, equaling the results of the most successful total knee replacements.3 Studies also show most patients experience a rapid recovery and more natural joint function.
Not all patients are candidates for partial knee replacement. You should discuss your condition and treatment options with your surgeon.
1. Personal correspondence, John Repicci, MD.
2. Romanowski, M.R., Repicci, J.A., "Minimally Invasive Unicondylar Arthroplasty: Eight Year Follow-Up," Journal of Knee Surgery, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2002, pp. 17-22.
3. Murray, D.W.; OConnor, J.J.; and Goodfellow, J.W.: "The Oxford Medial Unicompartmental Arthroplasty. A Ten Year Survival Study." JBJS (Br), No. 6, 80-B: 983-989, 1988.
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All Patient education material has been reviewed by a board of Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy.
All materials are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
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