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An innovative new surgery now is available at Auburn Regional Medical Center (ARMC) -- partial knee replacement using a new prosthetic device called the Oxford^® Unicompartmental Knee System. Some patients may be able to avoid total knee replacement surgery with this less invasive procedure.

Experienced orthopaedic surgeons at ARMC have completed specialized training, making ARMC one of the few hospitals in the nation able to offer it.

"The Oxford partial knee prosthesis is a great option for patients who have arthritis of the inside, or medial, portion of their knees," says Milan Shannon Moore, M.D., MPH, Medical Director of Joint Solutions at ARMC.

During a total knee replacement procedure, a surgeon resurfaces and replaces the entire knee joint. The new partial replacement using the Oxford system is less invasive; only damaged cartilage is removed through a small incision in the knee, then diseased bone ends on the inner side of the knee are reshaped, and a partial joint is inserted.

"I compare a partial knee replacement with fi lling a cavity and a total knee replacement with resurfacing the whole tooth and fi tting it with a crown," Dr. Moore says. "When we use the Oxford system, we don't resurface all areas in the knee, and we leave ligaments intact. It's much less traumatic for patients, and we generally get predictable, positive results."

Patients typically walk with assistance on the day of surgery. They spend less time in the hospital and recover faster than patients who have total knee replacement surgery.

"The Oxford system has a unique design," Dr. Moore says. "It's the fi rst partial implant with an artifi cial bearing that glides back and forth smoothly inside the knee to better replicate normal movement. The bearing helps by functioning the way undamaged meniscus cartilage would, as the ‘shock absorber' between ends of bones in the knee. Patients say their ‘new' knees move normally and feel very natural."

Some studies have concluded that the Oxford system helps restore the proper alignment of the knee and may slow the progression of arthritis in the rest of the knee. However, a small number of patients eventually may need total knee replacement.

For more information, please call Cascade Orthopaedics at 253-833-7750.

Why Knees Hurt
The knees -- the largest joints in the body -- endure a lot of wear and tear. It is not surprising that many people develop arthritis in their knees as they age. Arthritis may wear down cartilage, a smooth substance that cushions bones in knee joints. As the disease progresses, the femur (thigh bone) may rub against the tibia (shin bone) causing pain and stiffness and limiting mobility.

For more information about arthritis, please visit www.auburnregional.com and click on Health Information in the left column. Then, click on Diseases & Conditions, letter A and Arthritis.

202 North Division St., Auburn, WA 98001 (253) 833-7711, FAX: (253) 939-2376