Partial Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement services offered in Seattle and OPA Bellevue, Bellevue, WA

Up to 30% of the population is estimated to be affected by osteoarthritis. Over time, osteoarthritis wears away at the cartilage that cushions your knee joints, leading to pain and decreased mobility. James P. Crutcher Jr., MD, is a highly skilled surgeon who performs partial knee replacement surgery at his practice to help patients regain the quality of their lives. To schedule an appointment at the Seattle, Washington, office, call the office.

What is a partial knee replacement?

After Dr. Crutcher assesses the extent of your knee injury, he determines which treatment is suitable for you. A partial knee replacement is often chosen as an alternative to a full knee replacement when your injury is confined to a specific part of your knee.

During a partial knee replacement surgery, only the damaged parts of the knee joint cartilage are replaced with artificial parts.

Typically, 5-6% of patients with knee arthritis are eligible for a partial knee replacement.

What is osteoarthritis?

Partial knee replacement surgery is typically for people diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that’s common in the knee. It’s often called wear-and-tear arthritis.

It’s caused by the thinning of the protective cartilage in the knee joint that leaves the bones unprotected. It causes the bones in the joint to rub against each other every time you move with no cushion. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Limited range of motion
Limited mobility
Pain or stiffness in the joint
Swelling
Limping
Increased pain during rainy weather

Although osteoarthritis typically affects people over 50, it can develop at any age. About 30% of Americans live with osteoarthritis.

What are the risks and benefits of a partial knee replacement?

The many benefits of a partial knee replacement surgery include:

Preserving your healthy tissue and bone
Short recovery time
Preserving your range of motion and function

The risks include:

Infection of the joint
Infection of the bone
Stiffness and/or swelling in the knee
Blood clots
Your body rejecting the prosthetic

Dr. Crutcher ensures all of his patients are fully informed of the risks and benefits of a partial knee replacement surgery before the operation.

How long does it take to recover from a partial knee replacement?

Dr. Crutcher informs you regarding the recovery process of a partial knee replacement surgery before doing the surgery and provides you with a personalized recovery plan. This plan always includes physical therapy.

Typically, you make a full recovery from a partial knee replacement within 6-8 weeks.

To schedule a partial knee replacement consultation with Dr. Crutcher, call the office.