Overview
Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee. The OXFORD® unicompartmental knee uses metal and plastic implants designed to potentially last longer and wear down less easily than traditional implants.

partial-knee-replacement-using-oxford-implantKnee Accessed
An incision is created in the knee. Arthritic, damaged portions of the femur are removed.

Damaged Areas Removed
Parts of the damaged meniscus are removed. Some bone is also removed from the tibia to make room for the new metal tibial component. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not affected.

Bone Reshaped
A small portion of bone is removed from the damaged femoral condyle. The end is reshaped to fit the metal femoral component.

Tibial Component
A groove is cut into the tibia surface, and cement is applied. The metal tibial component is pressed into place.

Femoral Component
The prepared area of the femur is filled with bone cement, and the metal femoral component is pressed into place.

Bearing Inserted
A plastic bearing implant is inserted between the metal femoral and tibial implants.

End of Procedure
The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee through its range of motion. The plastic bearing implant is not fixed in place, allowing it to move when the knee moves. This potentially reduces wear on the implant.