Total knee replacement was originally developed in the 1960's, and has since become one of the safest and most effective methods of managing osteoarthritis of the knee. While total knee replacement is performed regularly to relieve patients of pain and restore mobility of the knee joint, a new solution, known as partial knee replacement, provides the same results along with the potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
While not every patient is a candidate for partial knee replacement, the procedure represents an improvement upon total knee replacement that may allow patients to return to previous levels of activity more quickly, and maintains more of the original healthy joint for a more natural feeling knee implant.
Also known as total knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement is a procedure that involves surgically removing the diseased knee joint and replacing it with a new implant, typically made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. During the operation, the knee surgeon will make an incision on the knee large enough to expose the joint. The surgeon will then remove the knee joint, from the end of the femur to the end of the tibia. Next, the new knee is implanted and set in place, with the surgeon ensuring that range of motion will be acceptable.
In comparison to total knee replacement, partial knee replacement is much less invasive. Instead of removing the entire joint, only a single compartment is removed and replaced.
During a partial knee replacement procedure, the surgeon will make an incision at the front of the knee, and will verify that cartilage damage is confined to only one of the three compartments. First, any loose pieces of diseased tissue or bone will be removed from the joint. Next, the surgeon will cap the ends of the femur and tibia with metal components and cement them in place. A plastic insert is placed between the metal components that allows for a smooth gliding surface.
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Dr. Robert Haar performs this minimally invasive knee surgery procedure as an outpatient procedure at an in-office, fully accredited ambulatory facility. Because of the clinic's sensitivity to pain requirements, coupled with Dr. Haar's expertise in partial knee replacement, patients experience minimal discomfort, and are often able to return home the same day of surgery.
For severe cases of knee osteoarthritis, surgery is often indicated for satisfactory pain relief and restoration of joint function. Whether the patient is a candidate for partial knee replacement or requires a total joint arthroplasty, Dr. Haar is recognized as one of New York's leading orthopaedic surgeons.
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