The Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement: Deanne’s Experience

July 19, 2024

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. For many, the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can become so severe that it limits daily activities and overall mobility. In rural areas, accessing specialized surgical care can be challenging, but advancements in medical technology have made significant improvements in treating conditions like arthritis. One such advancement is partial knee replacement surgery, a less invasive option than total knee replacement, offering numerous benefits for patients.

In this blog, we explore the benefits of partial knee replacement through the experience of Deanne, a patient of Dr. Radulescu in New Hampton, Iowa. We’ll highlight how this procedure transformed Deanne’s life and provide insights from Dr. Radulescu, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in this surgical technique.

Deanne’s Journey with Arthritis

Deanne works in a nursing home in the housekeeping and laundry department, a job that requires her to be on her feet for long hours. Over time, she began experiencing significant pain in her knee, which progressively worsened. “I was working a lot more hours and I was noticing a lot more pain until it got to the point where I was getting home from work and I really couldn’t do anything after I got home from work,” Deanne recalls.

The pain and discomfort led her to consult her primary doctor, who then referred her to Dr. Radulescu, a specialist in knee surgery. Dr. Radulescu was struck by Deanne’s condition, noting, “It’s frustrating to see a young patient, a young lady in pain with limping.”

The Decision for Partial Knee Replacement

After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Radulescu determined that Deanne was a suitable candidate for a partial knee replacement. He explains, “We decided to go the partial knee for Ms. Deanne because the arthritis was located to the medial side of the knee only. She’s young and I think we should preserve whatever God give us and is in good condition.”

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee while preserving healthy bone and tissue. This approach is less invasive than total knee replacement and can be an excellent option for patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee.

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

1. Minimally Invasive Procedure:
   Partial knee replacement surgery is less invasive than total knee replacement, involving smaller incisions and less disruption to the surrounding tissues. This results in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain. Dr. Radulescu highlights, “There are a lot of things that we do that previously would’ve had to do an open procedure, and now we can do them either laparoscopically or robotically with the tiny little scratches.”
   
2. Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation:
   Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, patients typically experience quicker recovery times. Deanne noticed significant improvements in her ability to work and engage in daily activities post-surgery. “The arthritis pain is gone and I’m finding that I can work a lot better when I’m at work. It’s not as tiring for me when I get home, so I’m able to do more things when I get home and I have more energy,” she says.
   
3. Preservation of Healthy Tissue:
   Partial knee replacement focuses on preserving as much of the natural knee as possible. By retaining the healthy compartments, patients can maintain more natural knee function. Dr. Radulescu emphasizes, “She’s young and I think we should preserve whatever God give us and is in good condition.”
   
4. Reduced Risk of Complications:
   With a smaller surgical site and less disruption to the knee’s structure, the risk of complications such as infections and blood clots is reduced. This contributes to a safer surgical experience and better long-term outcomes for patients.
   
5. Improved Quality of Life:
   For patients like Deanne, partial knee replacement can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. Increased mobility and reduced pain enable patients to return to their normal activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle. Deanne shares, “I’m finally able to get back out and start walking again, and I’m hopefully going to continue the weight loss.”

Building Trust and Confidence in Surgical Care

One of the critical factors in Deanne’s positive surgical experience was the trust she placed in Dr. Radulescu. His calm and reassuring demeanor helped ease her anxiety about the procedure. “I was very nervous, of course, but he’s got such a calm, soothing voice and you feel relaxed almost immediately. So, I thought, well, this is someone that I think that I’m going to be able to trust,” Deanne explains.

Dr. Radulescu’s approach to patient care emphasizes the importance of trust and a supportive surgeon-patient relationship. “We like to have the patients happy and do whatever they want, enjoy their life. It’s a journey and we’ll make it together,” he says.

A Valuable Option for Localized Arthritis

Partial knee replacement is a valuable surgical option for patients with localized arthritis, offering numerous benefits including less invasive surgery, faster recovery, and preservation of healthy tissue. Deanne’s experience under the care of Dr. Radulescu in New Hampton exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved with this procedure.

For individuals suffering from knee arthritis, consulting with a specialized surgeon like Dr. Radulescu can open the door to effective treatment options that significantly improve quality of life. Deanne’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of partial knee replacement and the importance of finding a trusted medical professional to guide you through the journey.

To hear more about Deanne’s journey and Dr. Radulescu’s insights, watch this video.