The word “unicondylar” refers to the part of a joint that involves a single “condyle”.
A “condyle” is a rounded bump at the end of a bone, allowing for movement and articulation. In the joint of the knee, there are two condyles on the femur and two on the tibia.
A Unicondylar Knee Replacement is a procedure that is performed to correct localized damage in only one of the two condyles of the knee joint compartment. This treatment option is typically selected as an alternative to a total knee replacement or when the damage in the knee joint is limited to one compartment, and the remainder of the knee remains unaffected.
The results of Unicondylar Knee Replacement surgery vary from person to person but typically include benefits to the following:
- Pain Relief: The procedure targets the source of pain by replacing the damaged condyle of the knee joint with an artificial implant, providing relief from pain caused by arthritis, injuries, or other conditions.
- Healthy Tissue: Only the affected compartment of the knee joint is repaired, leaving healthy portions of the knee joint. The preservation of this healthy tissue helps to maintain the knee’s natural biomechanics, potentially leading to better joint stability and movement.
- Recovery: because the surgery is hyper-focused on specific areas, it often leads to a quicker recovery time, and reduced postoperative discomfort compared to other treatment options.