Unicondylar Knee Replacement in Colorado Springs, CO
Unicondylar knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental or partial knee replacement, is a surgical option for patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee. Instead of replacing the entire knee joint, the damaged compartment is replaced with an implant while healthy areas of the knee are preserved.
Tyler Bron, M.D.
Board-certified Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Bron completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in the treatment of arthritic hip & knee conditions at the University of Colorado in Aurora. He received specialized training in dealing with complex injuries of the hip and knee & has a particular interest in the treatment of hip arthritis through a muscle-sparing Anterior Approach. Dr. Bron works diligently with each & every patient to customize treatment plans & optimize outcomes to meet the patient’s individual goals.
If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty with everyday activities because of arthritis, unicompartmental knee replacement in Colorado Springs, CO may be an option depending on the location and extent of joint damage. Dr. Tyler Bron is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and hip and knee conditions, including partial and total knee replacement.
During an evaluation, Dr. Bron can assess your symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and imaging to determine whether partial knee replacement or another treatment may be appropriate. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the condition of your knee, activity level, overall health, and goals.
How is Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
Unicompartmental knee replacement or unicondylar knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. It is also called a partial knee replacement. The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, the compartment in front of the knee between the knee cap and thigh bone, medial compartment, on the inside portion of the knee, and lateral compartment which is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint.
Traditionally, total knee replacement was commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In a total knee replacement, all worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. Partial knee replacement is a surgical option if your arthritis is confined to a single compartment of your knee.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects older people. In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint, whereas in an arthritic knee the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs”. All of these factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.
What are the Causes of Arthritis?
The exact cause is unknown, however, there are a number of factors that are commonly associated with the onset of arthritis and may include:
- Injury or trauma to the joint
- Fractures of the knee joint
- Increased body weight
- Repetitive overuse
- Joint infection
- Inflammation of the joint
- Connective tissue disorders
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Arthritis of the knees can cause knee pain, which may increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing, or kneeling.
The joint may become stiff and swollen, limiting the range of motion. Knee deformities such as knock-knees and bow-legs may also occur.
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee.
What are the Indications for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
Your surgeon may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy have failed to relieve the symptoms.
What is the Procedure for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
During the surgery, a small incision is made over the knee to expose the knee joint. Your surgeon will remove only the damaged part of the meniscus and place the implant into the bone by slightly shaping the shinbone and the thigh bone. The plastic component is placed into the new prepared area and is secured with bone cement. Now the damaged part of the femur or thigh bone is removed to accommodate the new metal component which is fixed in place using bone cement. Once the femoral and tibial components are fixed in the proper place the knee is taken through a range of movements. The muscles and tendons are then repaired and the incision is closed.
What Does Postoperative Care for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
You may walk with the help of a walker or cane for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist will advise you on an exercise program to follow for 4 to 6 months to help maintain range of motion and restore your strength. You may perform exercises such as walking, swimming, and biking but high impact activities such as jogging should be avoided.
What are the Risks and Complications of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
Possible risks and complications associated with unicompartmental knee replacement include:
- Knee stiffness
- Infection
- Blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis)
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Ligament injuries
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation
- Plastic liner wears out
- Loosening of the implant
What are the Advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?
The advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement over total knee replacement include:
- Smaller incision
- Less blood loss
- Quicker recovery
- Less post-operative pain
- Better overall range of motion
- Feels more like a natural knee
Why Choose Dr. Tyler Bron for Unicondylar Knee Replacement in Colorado Springs?
Choosing the right orthopaedic surgeon for partial knee replacement is an important decision. Dr. Tyler Bron, MD, provides specialized care for patients with knee arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions in Colorado Springs.
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Bron is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Specialized adult reconstruction training: He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training through the University of Kansas and an adult reconstruction fellowship at the University of Colorado.
- Knee replacement experience: His practice includes total and partial knee replacement, revision surgery, and management of arthritic knee conditions.
- Individualized treatment planning: Partial knee replacement is not appropriate for every patient. Dr. Bron evaluates the affected compartment and the overall condition of the knee before recommending treatment.
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement experience: Bron has additional training with the Mako robotic-arm system for knee replacement. When appropriate, technology-assisted surgery may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan.
- Patient-focused communication: Bron emphasizes listening to patients, understanding their treatment goals, discussing available options, and considering nonsurgical approaches when appropriate.
Unicondylar Knee Replacement FAQs
Unicondylar knee replacement, also called unicompartmental or partial knee replacement, replaces the damaged portion of the knee while preserving the unaffected compartments. It may be considered when arthritis is primarily confined to one compartment.
Candidates are generally patients with arthritis or damage limited to a single compartment of the knee and an otherwise suitable knee. Your surgeon will evaluate your ligaments, alignment, cartilage condition, symptoms, and imaging before determining whether partial replacement is appropriate.
A partial knee replacement treats only the damaged compartment of the knee, while a total knee replacement replaces the damaged surfaces of the knee more extensively. The appropriate procedure depends on the pattern and severity of joint disease.
Knee arthritis can be associated with aging and cartilage wear, previous injuries or fractures, repetitive stress, excess body weight, inflammatory conditions, and other factors. Sometimes there is no single identifiable cause.
Common symptoms include knee pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and discomfort with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling. Some people may also develop changes in knee alignment as arthritis progresses.
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination along with imaging, such as X-rays. These evaluations help determine the location and severity of joint damage and guide treatment planning.
Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis is primarily limited to one compartment and symptoms remain significant despite appropriate nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, activity modification, or injections.
During surgery, the damaged compartment is prepared and replaced with prosthetic components. The goal is to address the diseased portion of the knee while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and other structures when appropriate.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Your postoperative plan may include walking assistance initially, physical therapy or prescribed exercises, and a gradual return to activities. Dr. Bron and your care team will provide recommendations based on your surgery and individual progress.
As with any surgery, partial knee replacement has potential risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant wear or loosening, nerve or blood vessel injury, and the possibility of persistent or recurrent symptoms. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment.
A partial knee replacement can wear or develop problems over time, and arthritis can progress in other parts of the knee. In some cases, additional surgery, including conversion to a total knee replacement, may eventually be necessary.
Schedule a Unicondylar Knee Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs, CO
If knee arthritis is interfering with your mobility, comfort, or daily activities, a comprehensive orthopaedic evaluation can help you understand your treatment options. Dr. Tyler Bron provides partial and total knee replacement care in Colorado Springs, CO, with treatment recommendations tailored to each patient's condition and goals.
Contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bron and discuss whether unicondylar knee replacement or another knee arthritis treatment may be appropriate for you.
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