Staying active is crucial to staying healthy and when your knee experiences injury or damage due to a condition, it can cause pain and mobility problems that can impact your daily activities. When conservative measures are not effective, surgical intervention may be required, which can be overwhelming. Finding an experienced orthopedic surgeon who can understand your specific needs and guide you through the Partial Knee Replacement process is the first step to getting back to living a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Chris Mellano has spent many years continuing his own education of the latest technologies in joint repair and care. His dedication to helping patients get back to moving without pain has led him to create a practice that treats the whole patient, not just the medical issue. Our staff at Mellano Orthopedics in Torrance, CA, are passionate about helping you get back to your best self.
Your knee has three parts - the medial (inner) part, the lateral (outside) and the kneecap. When only one of these areas has been damaged, Partial Knee Replacement in Torrance can repair the individually impacted areas. This targeted approach is less invasive, requires a smaller incision, reduces surgical time, and provides a faster recovery.
At our office in Torrance Partial Knee Replacement is ideal for patients who have one compartment affected in their knee. With this repair, your posterior and anterior ligaments stay intact, and a prosthesis is only placed where needed. Total knee replacement can be necessary when damage or injury is more severe, replacing all three parts of your knee. Completing a thorough evaluation with comprehensive imaging can help determine which is the best option for your individual needs.
In a Partial Knee Replacement Torrance patients will have a small incision made to access the affected compartment of the knee. The surrounding structures will be moved out of the way, and the damaged portion of cartilage and bone is removed. Once the area has been prepared, the customized prosthesis is inserted and secured. The surrounding structures are then restored, and the incision is closed. Because this procedure targets only one area, the surgery is completed in a shorter time frame.
Dr. Mellano is proud to offer one of the latest advancements in orthopedic repair technology, Mako SmartRobotics. This unique, cutting-edge tool uses specialized CT imaging to visualize your individual anatomy in a 3D view, providing a more complete and accurate view of the damage in your knee. The result is a more precise surgical repair that minimizes the trauma to healthy tissue. This allows for less pain and a faster recovery, so you can get back to doing the things you love.
When you have knee pain, your ability to perform daily activities can be hindered. This can be due to a localized injury, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, or avascular necrosis. If the damage has been limited to one compartment of your knee, a Partial Knee Replacement can offer:
Patients who still have an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), some range of motion in the knee, and damage limited to one compartment of the knee are candidates for Partial Knee Replacement. If there is significant damage, or disease affecting more than one compartment of the knee, this procedure should not be considered.
Dr. Mellano knows that understanding your goals and concerns is key to creating a successful outcome. At your consultation, a thorough medical history will be taken, a comprehensive exam will be completed, and all imaging needed to make an accurate diagnosis will be ordered. After this and any pre-op clearance testing required is completed, your surgery will be scheduled.
You will be admitted to the hospital for your surgery, and general anesthesia will be administered. Typical surgeries take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Once you have spent the routine time in the recovery room, the rest of your hospital stay will be in the orthopedic area, and you will start physical therapy right away. It is an important step to getting your mobility back.
Hospital stays are usually 24-48 hours. You may need to use a cane or walker for the first several days. It will be important to adhere to the specific rehabilitation plan we create for you to ensure successful results. It will also be crucial to keep all follow-up and physical therapy appointments after your surgery. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that go over all wound care, mobility, pain management, and any other information you need to help you with a smooth and fast recovery.
Dr. Mellano has spent extensive time training with some of the best surgeons in orthopedic medicine. His dedication to helping people repair their bodies has helped create a team of experts who are passionate about working with you to get back to living the pain-free life you want.
Are you ready to discuss your options for treatment of your knee pain?
Call us now at 310-546-3461 to schedule a personalized consultation.
Many people have found that Partial Knee Replacement is a better option for them when a total knee replacement isn't necessary.
As with any surgery, there may be some discomfort and pain following it. We will provide pain management instructions and a prescription for pain relievers if needed.
There may be some minimal risks with anesthesia and surgery, so it is important to disclose all medical history to minimize this.
Individual results vary depending on your condition and activity post-operatively, but typically, successful results can be enjoyed for up to 10-15 years.
Because the incision is smaller than a total knee replacement, you should notice only minimal scarring that can fade over time with topical treatments.
After Partial Knee Replacement surgery, you will still be under the effect of anesthesia and limited mobility, so you will need someone to drive you home.
The cost of surgery will depend on your insurance benefits. Our financial coordinator will be happy to discuss payment options.
Insurance may cover some or most of the cost of your surgery, depending on your individual benefits.
Dr. Mellano’s mission is to give his Torrance patients the freedom to keep doing the activities they love. If you are struggling with joint pain, arthritis, lack of mobility, or joint inflammation, contact Dr. Mellano for a consultation so he can help you get moving again.
