Partial Knee Replacement
Surgery to replace only the damaged compartment of the knee, preserving healthy bone and ligaments. Also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Best for arthritis limited to one area of the knee.
Extended Definition
Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, leaving healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments intact. It’s a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement for patients with arthritis confined to one compartment.
Knee Compartments
The knee has three compartments:
- Medial (inner) - Most commonly affected
- Lateral (outer) - Less common
- Patellofemoral (front) - Under kneecap
Candidacy Requirements
Good candidates typically have:
- Arthritis limited to ONE compartment
- Intact ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
- Minimal deformity
- Healthy weight (BMI under 35)
- Good range of motion
Advantages Over Total Replacement
- Smaller incision - Less tissue disruption
- Faster recovery - Often home same day
- More natural feel - Preserves ligaments
- Better range of motion - On average
- Less blood loss - Smaller surgery
Limitations
- Not suitable for tricompartmental OA
- May eventually need conversion to total
- Fewer surgeons experienced with procedure
- Higher revision rate than total knee
Recovery
| Milestone | Partial | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital stay | Same day-1 night | 1-3 days |
| Walking | Same day | Next day |
| Driving | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Full recovery | 4-6 weeks | 3-6 months |
Success Rates
- 90%+ satisfaction at 10 years
- May need conversion to total in 10-15% within 15 years
Related Terms
More Treatments Terms
View allCorticosteroid
A powerful anti-inflammatory medication similar to cortisol (a hormone naturally produced by the body) that can be injected into joints to quickly reduce swelling and pain.
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring substance found in synovial fluid that gives it its thick, gel-like consistency and lubricating properties. Also used as an injection treatment for joint pain.
Molecular Weight
The size of a molecule measured in daltons. In hyaluronic acid products, molecular weight affects how thick and long-lasting the injection is, with higher molecular weight typically providing longer relief.
NSAID
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug - a type of medication that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking enzymes that produce inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Nerve Block
An injection of anesthetic near specific nerves to temporarily block pain signals. Used for diagnosis, pain relief, or before surgery. Effects last hours to months depending on medication used.