Comparing Knee Procedures

Unicompartmental Knee (Uni Knee) vs. Total Knee

Can utilize a minimally invasive procedure; a 2- to 3-inch incision and removes only the diseased portion of the knee and replaces it with the M/G Unicompartmental Knee prosthesis, thereby leaving the healthy part of the knee untouched.
Rehabilitation/recovery time using the MIS procedure is an estimated five weeks for many patients, but will vary. (Crutches or cane for about two weeks, then continued therapy for another three weeks.)
The Unicompartmental Knee procedure normally leaves enough bone to accommodate a primary total knee prosthesis at a later date, if required.
After recovery, most patients are able to resume such activities as walking, dancing, golfing, swimming and bicycling.
Uni Knee replacements are generally indicated for painful or disabling knee joints due to osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis, either the medial or lateral side of the knee, but not both; previous tibial condyle or tibial plateau fractures with loss of anatomy or function; or for valgus or varus deformities. However, these patients usually have significant surface erosion with minimal deformation.
It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Uni Knee procedures are performed annually in the United States.
Most Uni Knee patients are age 55 and over.

Requires an 8- to-12-inch incision and removing or resurfacing parts of the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap, and putting in prostheses made of metal alloy and high-density polyethylene.
Rehabilitation time is an estimated six to twelve weeks for many patients, but varies from patient to patient. (Crutches or a walker for about six weeks, then a cane for another three to six weeks.) With continued rehabilitative therapy, a full recovery takes an estimated six months.
After recovery, most patients are able to resume such activities as walking, golfing, swimming and bicycling.
Total knee replacements are generally indicated for patients with severe knee pain and disability due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and post-traumatic loss of joint configuration. Total knee replacements may also be to revise previous surgical procedures. They may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts or for a knee in which satisfactory stability in flexion cannot be obtained at the time of surgery.
Approximately 266,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States.
Most total knee patients are approximately 65 years of age or older.

Joint and muscle exercises to improve strength and flexibility
Weight management to relieve stress on weight-bearing joints
Anti-inflammatory drugs for degenerative joint disorders
Heat/Cold therapies
Synovectomy (surgical removal of inflamed synovial tissue)
Osteotomy (restructuring of the bones to shift stresses from diseased to more healthy tissue)

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