Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee.
Part of the damaged meniscus is removed from the joint. A small portion of the tibial bone is also removed to make room for the new tibial polyethylene implant.
A small amount of bone is removed from the damaged, arthritic area of the femoral condyle. An opening is created for the metal femoral component.
Cement is added to the tibia. The polyethylene tibial implant is placed onto the prepared tibial bone.
Cement is applied to the femur. The metal femoral implant is placed onto the prepared bone.
The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee through its range of motion.