Advances Allow for Safe and Successful Outpatient Partial Knee Replacement Procedures
By
Alan L. Valadie, MD
As a result
of our more and more active society as well as injuries suffered in sports, we
are seeing more patients with early wear and tear of their joints. This is
especially true in the knee, and we are seeing higher numbers of patients with
osteoarthritis of the knee limiting their activities. Fortunately, we have many
nonsurgical measures to help manage the pain of arthritis. In a 
growing number
of patients, however, the breakdown is severe enough that knee replacement is
necessary to continue activities. While this procedure is typically successful,
it may not restore the normal level of activities desired. In 10 percent
to 20 percent of patients with knee arthritis, however, the breakdown of the
cartilage in the knee is limited to just one area. This typically involves the
inner or medial aspect of the knee, although can involve the outer (lateral)
part of the knee or underneath the kneecap.
In these
patients, a partial knee replacement may be an option. In this procedure, just
a small part of the knee is resurfaced. With advances in technology, procedures
and pain management, this can now be done safely and successfully as an
outpatient. For over a year, we have been performing this procedure with great
success in our outpatient surgical center. Patients are discharged from the
surgical center to recover in the comfort of their own home. In addition, this
allows them to avoid hospitalization and minimize the risk of potential
complications such as infection.
Important
elements for successful outpatient procedures such as this include a healthy,
motivated patient with a home environment suitable for appropriate recovery.
One aspect of this is family who can assist with exercises and mobilization,
which start immediately upon arrival home. Also important is a surgical center
and surgeon who have assembled processes and protocols to safely and
effectively perform these procedures. Finally, implant and instrumentation
systems designed for minimally invasive procedures are critical. The Arthrex iBalance unicondylar knee system
(UKA) is an
example of a system built on efficiency, reliability and ease of use. In the
outpatient setting, this facilitates consistent and reproducible results.
