Helena, a patient at the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute says "it's like someone is lighting a match in there."

Everyday activities require us to continually twist, turn, bend, and straighten the knee, which sometimes wears out the entire knee joint or just one side of the knee over time. This type of arthritis, known as osteoarthritis, may involve one or both knees.

In many cases, medication can help, and in the past, major surgery was often the only way to get total relief.

Now however, your surgeon may be able to replace just the damaged side of your joint.

Because only one side of Helena's knee was affected, orthopedic surgeon Michael Morrison, M.D., of the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute recommended a less invasive option -- a partial knee replacement.

Find out more about Michael Morrison, M.D.

The surgery consists of replacing the worn cartilage with a metal runner and plastic disc to provide a cushion between the bones. Dr. Morrison says, "We've stopped bone rubbing on bone."

Rehabilitation usually occurs much more quickly after a partial knee replacement as compared with a total knee replacement. Because the procedure requires a much smaller incision than total knee replacement, pain control is easier and recover time is faster - usually about four weeks.

"It allows them to go back to their jobs without any restrictions," says Dr. Morrison.

According to Dr. Morrison, it's all about quality of life.

Find out more about the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Insitute.