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. Intraoperative narcotics are seldom used. Bottom line Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is much less invasive and successful.