Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon
Outcomes from unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), also called partial knee replacement, have improved dramatically in the last 10 years. Dr. Ramkumar is trained to perform partial knee replacements from many different designs but exclusively uses the MAKO robotic arm, as the best evidence for positive outcomes exist from this specific procedure. Dr. Ramkumar is located in Long Beach and serves patients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding Southern California areas. Contact Dr. Ramkumar’s team today!
What is a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or partial knee replacement?
There are three “compartments” that make up the knee:
- Medial (inside of the knee)
- Lateral (outside of the knee)
- Patellofemoral (front of the knee under the kneecap and above the thighbone)
Osteoarthritis may occur anywhere between one of these compartments (unicompartmental arthritis) or between all of them (global arthritis). If conservative treatments fail to provide relief or restore mobility to the knee joint, surgical intervention may be beneficial. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, also called partial knee replacement, is one option designed to replace only the damaged knee compartments. New metal covers will cover the worn-down surfaces of the femur and tibia, and a plastic insert will act as the new meniscus. The new frictionless surfaces restore motion and relieve pain. Research has dramatically changed over the last 10 years with respect to partial knee replacement, in part due to improved implant design, surgical execution, and better long-term evidence. To date, the best evidence exists for partial knee replacements performed using Mako robotic-assisted technology. Dr. Ramkumar is trained to perform partial knee replacements from many different designs but exclusively uses the MAKO robotic arm for this reason. Dr. Prem N. Ramkumar, partial knee replacement surgeon, is located in Long Beach and serves patients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding Southern California areas.
What is MAKO robotic partial knee replacement surgery?
MAKO refers to the MAKO robotic-arm-assisted surgery system by industry leader, Stryker. It assists Dr. Ramkumar with pre-planning the partial knee replacement using a 3-D model of the patient’s knee. During surgery, Dr. Ramkumar uses the MAKO robotic arm to remove the diseased parts of the knee while preserving healthy bone and tissue. The MAKO then helps Dr. Ramkumar find the ideal position and size of the knee implant down to the half millimeter and half degree with respect to your specific anatomy. Dr. Ramkumar uses the MAKO system because it is best supported in the literature in terms of minimizing complications, restoring normal function, and limiting pain.
Who is a candidate for a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty /partial knee replacement?
Patients with severely symptomatic unicompartmental arthritis, minimal deformity, relatively normal range of motion, intact stabilizing ligaments (anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, medial collateral ligament, posterolateral complex), and no uncontrolled inflammatory arthropathy are typically excellent candidates for partial knee replacement. There are rare exceptions to this rule. If you do not fall into this category, you may be better served with a total knee replacement.
If I am a candidate for either, should I get a partial knee or a total knee replacement?
This is a personal decision and our understanding is evolving. Partial knee replacements were historically reserved for a unique patient population. Now, we know better after much research, technological advancement, and technique advancement.
If one is fortunate enough to be a candidate for a partial knee replacement, the literature consistently shows that a partial knee replacement results in: quicker recovery, a more natural feeling knee, allows for more normal movements, and permits higher demand activities like sports. Compared to a total knee replacement, however, there is a 2-5% higher risk of the partial knee replacement eventually needing to be converted to a total knee replacement if arthritis in the other compartments progress. This risk increases as time goes on, and we are not yet able to reliably predict who these patients are. However, a partial knee replacement – like a total knee replacement – can last 20-30 years or more! Should you need a conversion to a total knee replacement, the literature shows that patients do as well with the total knee replacement as if they never underwent previous surgery.
What is the recovery process after MAKO robotic partial knee replacement?
Some patients spend a day or two in the hospital after a partial knee replacement, while others go home the same day. You will be sent home with crutches or a walker and given specific instructions to reduce pain and swelling. Weight-bearing is encouraged immediately after surgery, and you should be able to walk without any assistance within a few weeks.
Dr. Ramkumar will recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and restore mobility.
What can I expect before and after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgery?
Dr. Ramkumar emphasizes the importance of establishing clear expectations and providing comprehensive pre- and post-surgery education. This proactive approach not only alleviates anxiety but also leads to an enhanced overall surgical outcome.
What does the process look like leading up to UKA surgery?
We follow a detailed process and checklist to ensure your safety prior to undergoing total hip replacement. Although total hip replacement is a common operation, it is a very important life event, and we want to minimize as many preventable risks as possible.
Learn more >> Preoperative Assessment for Joint Replacement/Resurfacing Surgery
What happens after UKA surgery?
Our post operative guidelines offer an overview of what you can expect after your surgery, such as:
- How do you address pain management and nausea after surgery?
- Between all the medications and physical therapy, what do the first few days look like after surgery?
- What do the first few days look like after surgery?
- What activities can I do right after surgery?
- Is swelling and bruising after surgery normal?
- Is it normal to have sleep issues after hip replacement and what can I do about it?
- When can I bathe after surgery?
- When can I drive after surgery?
Learn more >> Postoperative Guidelines for Joint Replacement/Resurfacing Surgery
Selecting an orthopedic hip surgeon with experience performing partial knee replacement is crucial to a positive outcome. Dr. Prem Ramkumar is located in Long Beach and serves patients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding Southern California areas.
