Q1. What are the differences between partial and total knee replacement?
The surgical area is less extensive in partial knee replacement than total knee replacement. It is suitable in case of relatively mild knee degeneration or early diagnosis, and brings such benefits as smaller wounds, faster recovery, a shorter period of post-operative reactions, and generally higher satisfaction than total knee replacement.
Joint problems that used to be dealt with by total knee replacement surgery can now be treated by partial knee replacement surgery with good results.
Q2. What are the advantages of partial knee replacement?
Compared with total knee replacement, partial knee replacement has many benefits. It causes smaller wounds, and can keep the original ligaments intact, including the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. With proprioceptors in both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, patients can feel the knee movement and it is essential to faster recovery. It can also restore ideal flexion as soon as possible.
Q3. Is robotic arm-assisted partial knee replacement surgery reliable?
Precision is the key to success of both partial and total knee replacement surgeries. Just like a door, it is difficult to manoeuvre if not installed properly. It may work well at first, but will surely get loose in the long run. So do our knees. Total knee replacement surgery is performed with the assistance of robotic arm. Given the less contact surface between partial artificial joint and the bones, the application of robotic arm is even more important in partial knee replacement surgery as it has to be more precise. It can reduce error to less than 1 degree and 0.5mm, thereby achieving knee surface reconstruction with the highest precision and restoring knee function.
Q4. Does an artificial knee joint last for 10 years only?
It is a common misunderstanding that an artificial joint must be replaced after 10 years of use. It is not necessarily so. In fact, the existing statistics suggest that these joints are still functional in over 90% of patients 15 years after surgery. As there is no “expiry date” for artificial joints, repeated surgery is not necessary so long as the patients feel no discomfort.
Q5. What is the post-operative care after knee replacement surgery?
Artificial joints need no particular care. Some people may wonder about the need of lubrication, and the answer is no for both partial and total knee replacements. The human body can produce its own lubricant. On the other hand, patients are advised to follow up with a Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, preferably the one that performed the surgery. Regular X-ray is also important, as you may not be aware of knee problems until examined. If you need other procedures such as dental surgery, tooth extraction, scaling and polishing, please inform your dentist of your artificial joint beforehand. Your dentist will give you antibiotics before surgery. You should also do the same thing for other surgeries, so that your surgeon can prescribe antibiotics for you in advance.
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