However, traditional unicondylar arthroplasty has been reported to have a success rate of 90 percent at 10 years out for this select group of patients. Ten trouble-free years may mean the end of the problem for elderly patients, and some younger patients may benefit from buying some time before total knee replacement becomes a necessity. The minimally invasive procedure offers several benefits over traditional total knee replacement for older patients who are within normal weight ranges and who have a typically active lifestyle. A much smaller incision is one advantage. No patellofemoral disruption is needed, and only a small amount of bone is removed.
Blood loss is minimal and normal tissue is preserved.
Morbidity is greatly reduced. Patients report less postoperative discomfort and generally heal much more quickly. Patients are walking on their resurfaced knee just two to three hours after surgery, and most patients do not require overnight hospitalization. Within two weeks, most patients are able to resume their normal activities. Another major advantage is the reduced need for anesthesia and postoperative medication.