Why replace the entire knee if only part of it has arthritis?

If only one compartment of the knee is damaged, then partial knee replacement could be a viable surgical option. With the right indications, partial knee replacement could be the only surgery you need for relief from knee pain.

Is a partial knee replacement just delaying a total knee replacement?

Absolutely not!  In the right patient, a partial knee is can be the only surgery you need.  If the rest of your knee is healthy, it will often stay that way after replacing the damaged area.  MRI and arthroscopic evaluation can be done before surgery to help make this decision.  By carefully evaluating the knee for other injuries, we can help make sure that your partial knee replacement lasts for 20 years or more.

Why would I get a partial replacement instead of replacing the entire knee?

There are many benefits to a partial knee replacement compared to a total knee replacement.  There is generally less pain and lower risk of complications.  Recovery is usually faster, with most people using a cane or walker for much less time than after a total knee.  And studies generally show that people feel like a partial replacement moves more naturally than a total knee replacement. 

In most cases, a partial knee provides better results with less pain and faster recovery than a total knee when provided for the right patient.

Can it wear out?

It is possible to wear out any joint replacement.  And even though studies show 90% of Oxford partial knee replacements will last 20 or more years, some will need to be revised.  The most common reasons for this are developing arthritis in other parts of the knee or the implants loosening from the bone.  But the implants themselves are very durable.  In fact, the company backs them with a lifetime guarantee.

Are you a candidate for a partial knee replacement?

The ideal candidate for a partial knee replacement has arthritis isolated to the inner portion of the knee joint.  A stable knee is key to long term success, so you need intact an intact ACL and other knee ligaments must be healthy.  You should have little or no cartilage damage in the other two areas of the knee.  And the meniscus on the lateral aspect of the knee should be normal without tears. 

Medical problems like vascular disease and diabetes also play an important role in the success of any joint replacement and must be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Can Oxford Partial Knee Replacements be performed outpatient?

Yes, just like many other joint replacement surgeries, you may be able to go home on the same day as your partial knee replacement.  In fact, partial knee replacements were some of the earliest joint replacements to be performed as an outpatient.  The decision to stay overnight or go home the same day is one that your surgeon will help make with you.

Surgeons Providing Oxford Partial Knee Replacement

Dr. Richard Patterson

Dr. Steven Pancio

Dr. James Larson