Partial Knee Replacement

What is a partial knee replacement?

The knee has three compartments: the inside (medial), the outside (lateral) and the kneecap (patellofemoral). In a partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the compartment damaged by arthritis is resurfaced. The healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments in the rest of the knee are left alone.

Who may be a candidate

A partial knee replacement works best when arthritis is limited to one part of the knee and the ligaments are intact. Dr. Maish decides this with you after examining your knee and reviewing your X-rays. If the arthritis involves more of the knee, a total knee replacement is usually the better operation.

Advantages and trade-offs

• It is a smaller operation that keeps more of your own bone and ligaments.
• Many patients find the knee feels more natural and that early recovery is quicker.
• The trade-off: arthritis can develop later in the parts of the knee that were not replaced. If that happens, the partial knee can be converted to a total knee replacement.

What to expect

You walk soon after surgery, and many patients go home the same day. Recovery follows the same principles as any knee replacement Dr. Maish performs: control swelling first, move often and gently, and build up steadily. See Less Swelling, Less Pain.

Risks

Every operation has risks. For joint replacement these include infection, blood clots, stiffness, continued pain, injury to nerves or blood vessels, fracture, and loosening or wear of the implant, any of which could require additional surgery. Dr. Maish spends an hour with you and your family before surgery going through the risks and what you can do to lower them.

Not sure whether a partial or a total knee replacement fits you? Make an appointment.

This page is general education, not medical advice. Only an examination and a conversation with your surgeon can tell you what is right for you.