The uni-compartmental knee replacement is designed for patients who have only one femoral compartment affected by osteoarthritis. The illustrations below show bone on bone arthritis in only the medial femoral compartment. This patient is an ideal candidate for the Uni Knee.
If you are a candidate, there are many advantages to the uni-compartmental knee replacement.
Conservative Bony Cuts The uni knee’s conservative bony cuts preserve as much healthy bone as possible, which can improve the patient’s range of motion and return to normal function. Keeping more natural anatomy also reduces the patient’s hospital stay and rehabilitation time. Furthermore, the remaining bone allows for easier conversion to a total knee replacement if necessary in the future.
Retained ACL Function Because the uni-compartmental knee only replaces one side of the knee joint, both the ACL and PCL are maintained. The ACL and PCL are 2 of the major ligaments in the knee and are responsible for maintaining stability during typical day to day activities. In total knee replacement surgery, the ACL is sacrificed and is not replaced by most total knee implants.
Less Invasive Procedure The uni knee replacement can typically be done with a smaller incision than a total knee replacement, thus speeding up recovery time and shortening the patient's hospital stay and rehab time.
Available in Oxinium Oxinium is an advanced bearing surface manufactured by Smith and Nephew Orthopedics and increases the longevity of its joint replacement implants because of its superior hardness, strength and scratch resistance. To learn more about Oxinium, visit the Oxinium website at: www.oxinium.com