Patients often require pain medications for several days and crutches or a walker for several weeks. Patients with a total knee replacement lose much of the twisting motion of the natural knee and may be limited in the types of activities they perform. Some surgeons are using a different technique, called unicompartmental knee replacement, for some patients with knee problems. In traditional knee replacement, doctors replace the entire joint, even if only part of the joint is damaged. In unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged area of the knee is replaced.
Doctors make about a three-inch incision.
The knee cap is left in place and there is little disruption to supporting structures in the knee joint. Often, the surgery can be done as an outpatient or overnight procedure. With unicompartmental knee replacement, patients have less pain and recovery time is much quicker. Patients maintain flexibility in their knees and are able to participate in activities such as golfing, skiing, and tennis. Doctors say the procedure isn't for everyone.