Partial Knee Replacement
Dr. Gallivan uses the Mako Robot while performing partial knee replacements. A partial knee replacement involves replacing the damaged surface(s) of the knee joint with a metal and plastic component.
A partial knee replacement includes a unicompartmental knee replacement or a bicompartmental knee replacement. There are three compartments of the knee joint, which include, the medial compartment, the lateral compartment and the patellofemoral compartment. A unicompartmental knee replacement involves the replacement of one compartment in the knee joint, whereas a bicompartmental knee replacement involves the replacement of two compartments in the knee joint.
Dr. Gallivan prefers to use a spinal anesthetic during surgery rather than putting patients under general anesthesia, because it is safer for the patient.
When Should I Decide to Have a Partial Knee Replacement?
Dr. Gallivan believes that there are five main reasons individuals elect to proceed with partial knee surgery after attempting non-operative treatment. These include:
- The pain has become unbearable and/or is greater than one wants to live with.
- The pain has impacted quality of life and one is no longer able to achieve their personal functional goals.
- One's overall health, cardiovascular fitness, and longevity is compromised due to the inability to exercise due to pain.
- The patient has complete loss of cartilage in lateral compartment and resulting instability issues are increasing the incidence of falls.
- The patient has a progressive deformity that will impact future positive surgical outcomes.
Please call Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara to discuss the details of a partial knee replacement with robotic navigation with board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. William Gallivan.
