Uncertainties

• How long will the implant last?
• Will arthritis progress in the rest of the knee?

Unfortunately, we still do not have solid scientific data to answer some very important questions. We do not know how long the “new-design” partial replacement will last in a particular patient (can be anywhere from 5 to 15 years). It is a very important factor to consider when choosing the type of knee replacement but unfortunately we cannot predict (with a reasonable degree of certainty) the longevity of the implant in a particular patient.

The other unknown factor is what will happen to the rest of the knee. Since arthritis is a progressive disease and after some time it likely will involve the rest of the knee, we do not know whether the progress is inevitable, or whether restoring the one failed compartment back to “normal” could prevent it. These uncertainties have to be carefully considered by any patient contemplating the procedure.