Unikompartementaalinen

Unikompartementaalinen refers to a condition or treatment affecting only one compartment of a joint. A joint compartment is a distinct section of the joint cavity, often defined by the presence of a specific cartilage surface and the ligaments that enclose it. In the knee, for example, there are three main compartments: the medial (inner) compartment, the lateral (outer) compartment, and the patellofemoral compartment (between the kneecap and thigh bone).

When a condition is described as unikompartementaalinen, it means that the pathology, such as osteoarthritis or a meniscal tear, is localized to one of these specific areas. For instance, unikompartementaalinen nivelrikko in the knee would affect only the medial or lateral side, leaving the other compartments relatively healthy.

This localization is important for diagnosis and treatment planning. Treatments that are unikompartementaalinen in nature are designed to address the affected area specifically. A prime example is unikompartementaalinen polviproteesi, also known as a partial knee replacement. This surgical procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint, preserving the healthy cartilage and bone in the uninvolved compartments. This can lead to a potentially quicker recovery and a more natural feeling knee compared to a total knee replacement. Similarly, arthroscopic surgery might be performed to address unikompartementaalinen meniscal tears.