Multicompartmental Knee Replacement

The advantages provided by these smaller knee resurfacing procedures can occasionally be extended in the more active patient whose knee has slightly more advanced wear extending into two of the three areas of the knee.

Alternatively, patients who have part of their knee resurfaced are usually more active and over years find other parts of the knee become worn as arthritis spreads with age. It is possible to resurface other areas of the knee thereby covering all eventualities.

Patients who undergo this procedure have a higher rate of activity than those having a total knee resurfacing including competitive sport, dancing, tennis, swimming and most gym activity. Many patients ski and sail.

Typically, the patellofemoral (front) part of the knee is replaced together with either the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) parts. Both the medial and lateral compartments together have also been resurfaced. This allows the knee to keep both its natural cruciate ligaments within the joint as well as the ligaments outside it. This provides a more natural and stable feel to the joint as well as allowing a more rapid recovery.

This is a highly specialised procedure and although it is said to be “new” I was a leading developer of this technique and have been successfully performing these procedures for several years for the more active patients who make higher demands on their knees.