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Defining the New ProcedureThe new unicompartmental arthroplasty involves replacing one compartment of the knee which has been worn by osteoarthritis. During the arthroscopic procedure, self-aligning metal and plastic components are inserted into the knee essentially resurfacing the medial compartment and leaving the other relatively normal areas of the knee intact.
The procedure is less painful to the patient and rehabilitation is also more rapid. Approximately 80 percent of the patients treated with this new procedure can leave the hospital the morning after their surgery, and in some cases, the procedure can be done on an out-patient basis.
It is important to note that unicompartmental replacement is a temporary solution for most patients. Wear and tear will continue in the other compartments of the knee and with time, it is possible that these other compartments will also become painful and symptomatic.
However, should primary total knee arthroplasty become necessary, unicompartmental arthroplasty will have little affect on the total joint replacement procedure. The unicompartmental arthroplasty could delay total knee joint replacement five, seven, or even 10 years.
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