Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
KNEE | LAS VEGAS
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada
The knee joint is divided into three compartments: the medial compartment between the inner femoral condyle and tibia, the lateral compartment between the outer condyle and tibia, and the patellofemoral compartment between the kneecap and femur. Osteoarthritis can affect one, two, or all three compartments.
When arthritis is isolated to a single compartment with the remaining cartilage intact, partial knee replacement offers the advantage of preserving healthy tissue and maintaining the natural feel of the knee.
Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas evaluates all partial knee candidates for non-surgical options first. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory
medications, unloader bracing, and joint injections can provide meaningful symptom relief for isolated compartment arthritis.
Partial knee replacement is recommended when isolated compartment arthritis causes significant functional limitation despite adequate non-operative management.
Partial knee arthroplasty, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, resurfaces only the arthritic compartment while preserving the healthy articular cartilage, menisci, and cruciate ligaments in the unaffected areas. Dr. Andrew Lee performs partial knee replacement in Las Vegas at Southern Hills Hospital for carefully selected patients.
A smaller incision than total knee replacement is used, and the knee’s natural anatomy is largely preserved. A metal femoral component and a metal-backed polyethylene tibial component resurface the damaged compartment. The preserved cruciate ligaments allow more natural knee kinematics and proprioception than total replacement.
Partial knee replacement offers faster recovery, less post-operative pain, greater range of motion, and a more natural feeling knee than total replacement in appropriate candidates. If the remaining compartments develop arthritis in the future, conversion to total knee replacement is a well-defined revision option.
Recovery following partial knee replacement is typically faster than total knee replacement. Most patients are weight bearing immediately and discharged the same day or the following morning.
Physical therapy begins quickly and most patients achieve functional ambulation without assistive devices within two to three weeks. Return to recreational activities typically occurs at six to eight weeks.
Partial knee replacement patients typically report a more natural feeling knee than total replacement patients, due to the preserved cruciate ligaments and native cartilage.
Pain relief is typically excellent and rapid following partial knee replacement.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
The partial knee incision is smaller than total knee replacement. Follow wound care instructions provided at discharge and avoid soaking the wound until cleared.
Blood clot prevention medication is prescribed. Pain medication refills require advance notice from your pharmacy.
Weight bearing is encouraged immediately following partial knee replacement. Use assistive devices as prescribed during early recovery.
Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the emergency room for sudden severe knee pain, calf swelling, fever, or wound changes.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas
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