You’ve been trying to increase your activity level, but the pain in your knee continues to sideline you. Upon an exam with an orthopaedic surgeon, you learn its arthritis in your knee that is root of your discomfort. In the past, a patient’s only surgical option for relief was a total knee replacement, a major surgery followed by lengthy rehabilitation. There is, however, an innovative knee procedure that is less invasive—The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement.

Elliott Leitman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with First State Orthopaedics, explains why The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement is an innovative, viable alternative for those suffering from knee arthritis.

ElliotT LeitmaN, M.D.

What exactly is The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement?

The procedure was developed in England around 40 years ago, and has been available in the United States since 2004. The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement is an excellent alternative to a total knee replacement, and is the first partial implant with an artificial meniscal bearing designed to glide freely throughout the knee’s range of motion. The implant floats back and forth, replicating your knee’s natural range of motion and thus.

“The result is a more natural-feeling knee because just one compartment is replaced and all ligaments remain,” says Dr. Leitman.

What are the advantages of The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement?

Knee osteoarthritis sometimes only occurs on the medial side of the joint (the side closest to your other knee). In knees that are otherwise healthy, a partial knee replacement can preserve the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments.

Because the procedure only repairs one compartment, less bone and cartilage is removed, resulting in far less pain and bleeding. “The surgery is done as an outpatient and involves some small bone cuts,” says Dr. Leitman. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and patients are often discharged about one hour post-operation. The likelihood of complications during surgery decreases as well. The surgery also requires less down time and rehabilitation, so patients are back up and running much quicker. Patients can expect three-six months of rehabilitation, but can walk independently in less than one month. Patients have reported feeling 2.7 times more satisfied with an Oxford Partial Knee Replacement than a total knee replacement.

(FROM Left): Stages of arthritis in the knee; Oxford partial knee.

Who is the ideal patient for The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement?

Dr. Leitman says that the procedure is ideal for people with anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee. The knee is made up of three compartments—the lateral compartment (the outer side of the knee), the media compartment (the inner side of the knee) and the patellofemoral compartment (the kneecap and part of the femur).

Leitman says the surgery is ideal for people of all ages as long as they have not had an injury to their ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

“The Oxford Partial Knee Replacement is not a bridge procedure for a total knee replacement. It’s a definitive treatment for arthritis. Longevity can be up to 20 years,” says Dr. Leitman.

Elliott H. Leitman, M.D. received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. Following his orthopaedic surgery residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, he completed a sports medicine fellowship at 3B Orthopaedics, also in Philadelphia. He is board-certified by the ABOS and has an added certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. In addition to being a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army, Dr. Leitman has served as a team doctor for the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers, along with several area high schools and colleges. He is a licensed pilot and a triathlete. He specializes in arthroscopic knee and shoulder reconstruction along with joint replacement surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leitman, call (302) 731-2888 or visit www.firststateortho.com/contact.php.

First State Orthopaedics
731-2888 • www.firststateortho.com
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Medical Arts Pavilion I
4745 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Suites 225 & 238, Newark