Partial Knee Replacement Services

Partial Knee Replacement (also known as unicompartmental knee replacement) is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint, rather than the entire knee. It’s less invasive than a total knee replacement and is an excellent option for patients with arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee. 🦵 What Is Partial Knee Replacement? The knee is divided into three compartments: Medial (inner part) Lateral (outer part) Patellofemoral (kneecap area) In a partial knee replacement, only the affected compartment is resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. The rest of the knee—including ligaments and cartilage—is left intact. ✅ Who Is a Candidate? Ideal candidates have: Osteoarthritis confined to one compartment Good range of motion Stable ligaments, especially the ACL Lower body weight or less physically demanding lifestyle (though this is changing with newer techniques) Not recommended if: Arthritis affects multiple compartments Severe knee deformity or instability Inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) ⚙️ Procedure Overview Anesthesia: Spinal or general Incision: Small (3–6 inches) Resurfacing: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from one compartment Implants: A metal cap is placed on the femur, and a plastic spacer or cap on the tibia 🕒 Surgery time: ~1–2 hours 🏥 Hospital stay: Often same-day or 1 night ⏱️ Recovery Timeline Activity Timeline Walking with assistance 1–2 days Return to work (desk job) 2–3 weeks Resume driving 2–4 weeks Physical therapy 6–8 weeks Full recovery 3–4 months Recovery is generally faster and less painful than after total knee replacement. 🩺 Advantages Over Total Knee Replacement Smaller incision and less tissue trauma Retains more of your natural knee Quicker recovery and less pain Feels more “natural” during movement Less blood loss Lower risk of complications like infection or blood clots ⚠️ Potential Risks and Complications Blood clots Infection Implant loosening or wear Continued pain (if arthritis progresses in other parts of the knee) Need for revision surgery (conversion to total knee replacement later) 🔁 Longevity of Implants Modern partial knee implants last 10–15+ years in most patients. Some may require revision if arthritis spreads or the implant fails.