Indications for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Success

As an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Aaron Tragos has treated bone and joint conditions as well as injuries sustained in athletic competition and military combat. Dr. Aaron Tragos draws on particular expertise in joint replacement, having introduced the first partial joint arthroplasty surgery at the Munson Orthopaedic Clinic in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

As the name indicates, partial knee replacement surgery allows physicians to remove only damaged material in the joint and introduce a prosthetic implant, leaving healthy material intact. It has traditionally proved to be a more complicated procedure than a full knee replacement, yet recent advancements in image-guided surgery have increased possibilities for success.

The procedure may be indicated for patients whose arthritis or deformity is confined to a single side or area of the knee. These abnormalities may be causing severe pain and interruption of daily activities, including sleep, and likely have not responded to alternative treatments. To be eligible for a partial knee replacement, however, the patient must have good range of motion and ligaments that are stable enough to support the prosthetic.

The patient must also be prepared to challenge themselves throughout the recovery period, which includes physical therapy to increase range of motion and strengthen surrounding musculature. Many patients find that support and encouragement from others can help facilitate the recovery process, as can efforts to function independently as much as possible.