“THE UNI-KNEE” Uni-Compartmental Knee Replacement (an alternative to total knee replacement)

The FDA approved LCS ® Uni-Compartmental Knee Replacement was designed by Frederick F. Buechel, M.D., a renowned orthopaedic surgeon from South Orange, NJ.  The popularity of this alternative surgical treatment is seen in the number of patients who have traveled to South Orange, NJ for the procedure.

Frederick Buechel, M.D., Kevin Egan, M.D., and Thomas Helbig, M.D., all partners in the South Orange group practice of South Mountain Orthopaedic Associates have performed thousands of total joint replacements to help individuals who have suffered from arthritis and other debilitating joint conditions.

Patients may be candidates for the “Uni-Knee” if one compartment of the knee joint is affected with arthritis.  The procedure can relieve pain and restore mobility of the knee joint.  This replacement restores about 1/3 of the joint surface and incorporates many of the advantages of a total knee replacement with less surgical dissection, minimal bone removal and minimal blood loss. 

There is a maximum preservation of tissue, the ligaments are retained and the remaining knee compartments remain intact. Patients achieve a greater range of motion, experience less post-operative discomfort and return to their normal lifestyle without arthritic pain.  Conventional total knee replacements require invasive surgery and longer recovery periods. 

The LCS ®  Unicompartmental knee replacement uses cementless fixation technology and a replaceable meniscal bearing.  This design allows normal movement and function for many years of vigorous activities.  In the case of severe wear, the meniscal bearing can be easily changed without removing the metal components of the implant.  The benefit to this is a less invasive procedure and easy recovery.

The “Uni-Knee” surgery takes approximately 1-1/2 hours and consists of a 1 or 2 day hospitalization.  It is also an approved procedure by insurance carriers.  Patients are encouraged to ambulate the morning after surgery and begin a physical therapy program.  Patients ambulate with the support of a cane or crutches and can walk and climb stairs upon discharge from the hospital.  A home exercise program or physical therapy is recommended for optimum range-of-motion.

In addition to the “Uni-Knee” Replacement, the surgeons also perform the popular Buechel-Pappas ™ Total Ankle Replacement and the Buechel-Pappas ™ Resurfacing Hip Replacement for the active patient.  In addition, they perform total joint replacements of the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist.  Sports injuries, spinal treatment/surgery, arthroscopic surgery, laser procedures, fracture care and general orthopaedic treatment is also available.  Second opinion consultations, as well as, alternative surgical options are also available from South Mountain Orthopaedic Associates. 

South Mountain Orthopaedics offer convenient consultation appointments at the South Orange office by contacting them at (973) 762-8344.

Reproduced with permission of The Star Ledger, NJ Back to Recent News