Derek L. Hill, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist

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586-751-3480
11446 E. 13 Mile Road • Suite C • Warren, Michigan 48093
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Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Posted on 05.1.14 | 3 Comments

knee-replacementPartial knee replacement surgery, which is also referred to as unicompartmental or unicondylar knee arthroplasty, is an operation in which damaged bones and cartilages on one side of the knee are excised and replaced with artificial implants.

The human knee joint is divided into three major compartments. The first one consists of a menisci (cartilage) and the joint formed by the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shinbone) on the medial (inner) part of the knee. The second compartment is formed by the connection of these two bones and another menisci on the lateral (outer) part. The third compartment of the knee is formed by the patella (kneecap) and the femur.

Candidates for partial knee replacement surgery are those with arthritis that affects just one compartment. This arthritis is usually severe enough to keep them awake at night with pain that does not respond to medications taken by mouth.

Persons with minor deformities of the knee, who still have a good range of joint motion, are others who qualify to have this operation. Older patients with knee problems, who are relatively inactive but not morbidly obese, are other candidates for this knee surgery.

During a partial knee replacement, the patient is given anesthesia to block pain. This can be general anesthesia in which they are totally asleep, or it can be regional anesthesia in which they are numbed from the waist to the toes.

The orthopedic surgeon then makes an incision or cut on the skin over the joint which is around 4 inches long. They then remove the damaged tissues and replace them with a prosthetic joint made from metal and plastic. This implant is secured in position with bone cement and the wound is closed with sutures or stitches.

Patients who have had a partial knee replacement heal much faster than those who have had total knee replacement surgery. Most are discharged home one or two days after the operation with pain killers and medications to prevent blood clots. They are allowed to put their full weight on the knee and are encouraged to continue with physiotherapy as an outpatient to improve joint mobility.

Due to fewer complications associated with this knee operation, most patients are able to walk without a cane and resume their normal daily activities one month after the surgery.

Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services

Arthroscopy of the Knee

Posted on 01.30.14 | 1 Comment

iStock_000002529630_MediumArthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a joint is viewed using a small camera. This gives doctors a clear view of the inside of the knee and helps them to diagnose and treat knee problems.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for the following knee problems:

  • Removal or repair of torn meniscal cartilage
  • Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament
  • Trimming of torn pieces of articular cartilage
  • Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
  • Removal of inflamed synovial tissue

According to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “Arthroscopy is done through small incisions. During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope (a small camera instrument about the size of a pencil) into your knee joint. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor. On the monitor, your surgeon can see the structures of the knee in great detail. Your surgeon can use arthroscopy to feel, repair or remove damaged tissue. To do this, small surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions around your knee.”

RECOVERING FROM SURGERY

After the surgery you will have an ace bandage on your knee over the dressing. Most individuals go home the same day as surgery. You may be advised to elevate the joint and apply ice packs to help with swelling.

The recovery time depends upon many factors, however it is mostly due to how extensive the surgery was. After arriving home, crutches must be used for at least 3-7 days as directed by your doctor. Rest, ice packs, and elevating the limb are also recommended.

Your doctor will give you exercises to do or send you to physical therapy. Activities are progressed according to the amount of pain and swelling present in the knee. It typically takes about three weeks to recover fully for routine daily activities, but it may be two to three months before you can comfortably return to sports. As always, it is important to follow instructions given by your doctor.

References:
“Knee Arthroscopy.” American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/.
“Knee Arthroscopy.” National Library of Medicine. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002972.htm.
“Knee Arthoroscopy Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery.” John Hopkins Orothopaedic Surgery. http://www.hopkinsortho.org/knee_arthroscopy.html.

Written by: Sharan Kaur, Rust Built, Marketing Services

Tips to Prevent Knee Injury

Posted on 04.9.13 | Leave a Comment

Pixmac000069034729A common knee injury can put a wrench in your sports training, leisure, and everyday life. The best way to prevent a knee injury is to take care of your knees! Following is a list of ways to be proactive in your knee joint health in order to avoid injury.

The following tips may prevent knee problems.

 

 

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Orthopedic Specialties

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement
  • Hip Arthroscopy
  • Multi-Modal Pain Management
  • Rapid Recovery

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