Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

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The structure of a joint

(Page 2)

Knee joint replacement is usually done in people age 60 and older. Younger people who have a knee joint replaced may put extra stress on the new knee joint and cause it to wear out.

Most people with knee arthritis have a surgery called a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Partial knee arthroplasty may be a good choice for people who have arthritis on only one side of the knee, and who:

• Are older, thin, and not very active
• Do not have very bad arthritis on the other side of the knee or under the kneecap (patella)
• Have only minor deformity of the knee
• Still have good range of motion in the knee

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Always tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking; even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other drugs.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
• If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon will ask you to see the doctor who treats you for these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol (more than one or two drinks a day).
• If you smoke, you need to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help. Smoking will slow down wound and bone healing. Your recovery may not be as good if you keep smoking.
• Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.
• You may want to visit a physical therapist to learn some exercises to do before surgery.
• Practice using a cane, walker, crutches, or a wheelchair, especially the correct ways to:
  • Get in and out of the shower
  • Go up and down stairs
  • Sit down to use the toilet and stand up after using the toilet
  • Use the shower chair

On the day of your surgery:

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 - 12 hours before the procedure.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.