Outpatient Knee Replacement
Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement utilizes a minimally invasive approach which employs a smaller incision and less damage to the surrounding tissue when compared to a traditional total knee replacement. During a total knee replacement, patients have all of their cartilage in the knee removed and replaced by metal or plastic components. In a partial replacement, only the most damaged elements in the knee are removed and replaced by metal or plastic components. The healthy and functional elements of the joint are left remaining intact.
Total Knee Replacement
While outpatient knee replacement surgery and traditional knee replacement surgery are carried out in the same manner, there are differences in the pre-operative preparation, the duration of the stay after surgery, and the location of the patient’s post-operative recovery. This new outpatient approach is possible in part due to new medications to control bleeding, better pain management techniques, as well as new physical therapy methods which are designed to get the patient up and walking sooner after surgery. Unlike traditional surgery, outpatient surgery allows the patient to recover in the comfort of their home, rather than in a hospital. It also provides multiple benefits to patients for improved recovery. See additional advantages below. In both cases, the knee is replaced with a new artificial joint that is free from the patient’s diseased bone and cartilage. This new artificial knee is designed to mirror the functionality of the original knee joint, while providing the patient with greater functionality and mobility.
Advantages of Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
- Return home the same day of your surgery
- Your overall recovery period is shorter
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Less blood loss during surgery
- You will have increased range of motion after surgery
- Less damage to the surrounding tissue
Qualifications for Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
- You lead a relatively active lifestyle and are in good health overall
- You are motivated to get back to your active lifestyle quickly
- Your weight is proportionate to your height
- You have no severe bone loss around your knee