Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee. The Encore Medical EPIK® unicompartmental knee procedure uses specially-designed metal and plastic implants.
The surgeon creates a small incision in the knee to access the joint. Damaged, arthritic portions of the femur are removed.
Parts of the damaged meniscus are also removed. Some bone is removed from the tibia to make room for the new metal tibial component.
A small amount of bone is removed from the damaged, arthritic femoral condyle. The end of the femur is reshaped to fit the metal femoral component.
The surgeon cuts a groove into the tibia surface. Cement is applied to the tibia. The metal tibial component is then pressed into place.
The prepared end of the femur is filled with bone cement, and the metal femoral component is pressed into place.
A plastic implant is inserted between the metal femoral and tibial implants.
The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee through its range of motion.