What does UCKR mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Uni-Compartment Knee Replacement, commonly abbreviated as UCKR, is a surgical procedure in which a single compartment (part or area) of the knee joint is replaced. It provides relief from severe knee pain caused due to degenerative arthritis and is typically undergone as a less-invasive alternative to Total Knee Replacement (TKR).

The main benefit of UCKR compared to TKR is that it's much less invasive and requires less recovery time. Additionally, since only one side of the knee joint is being operated on during UCKR, there's often less damage done to the surrounding ligaments and tissues. As such, patients have reported better range of motion after undergoing UCKR than after TKR.

Typically, people with osteoarthritis who experience pain only in one compartment of their knee joint are ideal candidates for UCKR. Patients who have minimal deformity in their knee may also be suitable for this type of surgery. However, not everyone with an isolated arthritic condition will be eligible — it all depends on your specific case and medical history.

Depending on your individual situation and how complex the surgery was, you can usually expect to spend several days in the hospital before returning home. Your doctor may give you instructions about physical therapy and other activities you can do to help speed up your healing process once you recover at home. Generally speaking you should expect full recovery within several weeks following your procedure.