The staff at Mississippi Orthopaedic Specialists prides themselves on bringing the latest innovations in orthopaedic care to their patients. Mississippi Orthopaedic Specialists is pleased to be able to offer a new minimally invasive procedure for relieving arthritic knee pain and disability.

A Closer Look at the Knee
The knee, the largest joint in the body, is central to nearly every activity. It consists of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella). Ligaments connect the bones, and a cartilage lining coats them to allow easy, flexible movement and to protect the joint from wear.

Arthritis—The Leading Cause of Knee Pain
One of the most common causes of knee pain and loss of mobility is the wearing away of this cartilage. When this happens, the bones rub together, causing significant pain and swelling— known as osteoarthritis. Trauma or direct injury to the knee can also cause osteoarthritis.

Conservative treatments such as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and cortisone injections may effectively relieve pain and restore mobility. However, more severe pain and disability frequently require knee “resurfacing” surgery.

Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which all of the surfaces in the knee joint are removed and an artificial knee joint called a prosthesis is implanted. Total knee replacement has been performed since the 1960s and has excellent long-term results. However, the 3- to 5-day hospital stay and 3- to 12-week recovery period can present an obstacle to many candidates for this procedure.

PKR — A “Partial” Alternative to TKR
For patients who have arthritis on only one surface (or compartment) of the knee, partial knee resurfacing (PKR), or uni-knee replacement, offers a promising new alternative to total knee replacement. In this procedure, only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced, minimizing trauma to healthy bone and tissue.
Unicompartmental knee implants, like the EIUS™ Uni Knee System from Howmedica Osteonics, were developed with patient needs in mind. The implant is anatomically shaped and enables surgeons to use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques for this procedure.

Because uni-knee implants are so much smaller than a total knee prosthesis, the surgical incision can be significantly smaller as well. The surgeon removes only damaged bone in the affected knee and fits the implant to that bone surface. The incision is closed with small, self-dissolving sutures that are hidden underneath the skin.

Important Short- and Long- Term Advantages
Because most of the knee joint is unaffected and the basic knee structure remains intact, postoperative pain is reduced and recovery is faster. Patients typically leave the hospital within 24 hours and do not require physical therapy. A few gentle exercises and progressive walking are the only rehabilitation needed.

Based on a patient’s age, weight, and activity level, a uni-knee implant can be expected to last several years. Afterwards, it can easily be replaced or, if needed, converted to a total knee replacement.