Partial Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a partial knee replacement?

When you see Dr. Mathews for partial knee replacement surgery, he removes the damaged tissue and bone from your knee and replaces it with a human-made implant, called a prosthetic. The healthy part of your knee, including the cartilage, bone, and ligaments, is preserved.

What conditions does a partial knee replacement treat?

While the most common condition treated with partial knee replacement is osteoarthritis, it also helps relieve several other ailments including:

Bowed legs

When you put your ankles together, your knees stay wide apart. This condition can lead to significant wear of just one side of the knee, which may eventually require partial knee replacement.

Avascular necrosis (AVN)

Also known as osteonecrosis, AVN results from a loss of blood flow to your bones. AVN often stems from an injury, the use of systemic steroids, and certain inflammatory diseases, including lupus.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) or osteochondral defects

Due to a lack of blood supply or even injury, patients can develop OCD in joints, causing small segments of bone to separate from its surrounding region. Cracked or loose bones and cartilage also result.

Why choose a partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement allows you to keep the healthy parts of your knee, resulting in a more natural feel. Bending movements can also be much easier than with a total knee replacement. It is a quicker and easier recovery than total knee replacement.

Dr. Mathews is very experienced in this area, as he performs a high volume of partial knee replacements. He uses two different techniques:

Oxford Mobile Bearing Knee

Oxford mobile bearing is the most popular and successful partial knee replacement in the world. It features a mobile-bearing polyethylene component and is designed to repair only one side of your knee. The Oxford knee is a bone sparing prosthesis, implanted with a minimally invasive resurfacing technique, and is designed to restore the best possible function to your joint. Dr. Mathews has extensive experience in the new press-fit non-cemented Oxford partial knee prosthesis, only recently approved for use in the U.S.

Mako Robotic Partial Knee

Robotic knee replacement surgery has become very common. The robotic arm is controlled by the surgeon as the bone is prepared for the replacement parts. Some studies have shown better alignment with the Mako robotic partial knee, although the studies still have not shown better outcome numbers. Dr. Mathews has extensive experience with robotic knee surgery and can discuss all of the options with you.

If you are experiencing a loss of cartilage or bone in your knee, you may benefit from a partial knee replacement. Call or make an appointment online today with Orthopedic Surgeon & Knee and Hip Replacement Specialist, Dr. Vasilios Mathews in Houston, Texas.