Partial Knee Replacement
A Partial Knee Replacement (also called unicompartmental knee replacement) is a surgical procedure where only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, rather than replacing the entire knee.
This is usually done when arthritis or damage is limited to just one part of the knee — most commonly the inner (medial) compartment.
🧑⚕️ Who Is It For?
It may be suitable for patients who:
Have arthritis or cartilage damage in just one compartment of the knee
Both younger, active patients, and older patients, will benefit from this procedure.
🛠️ How Is It Performed?
A smaller incision is made than in total knee replacement.
Only the damaged bone and cartilage in one part of the knee is removed.
A metal and plastic implant is placed to resurface the worn area.
The rest of the knee (ligaments, cartilage, bone) is left untouched.
It can be done using traditional or robotic-assisted techniques for greater precision.
🕒 Recovery
Less pain and faster recovery compared to total knee replacement
Many patients walk the same day or next day after surgery
Return to normal activity: 4–6 weeks
Full recovery and return to light sports: 3–6 months, depending on the individual
🎯 Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement
Smaller incision and less tissue disruption
Faster recovery
Feels more like a “natural knee” because more of your own joint is preserved
The risks of surgery and the anaesthetic risks are halved compared to a total knee replacement
Can be converted to a total knee replacement later if needed
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
Not suitable if arthritis is widespread in the knee
The risk of re-do (revision surgery) is slightly higher with a partial knee replacement compared with a total knee replacement, because the other parts of the knee can wear out. This is usually a simpler operation than a re-do of a total knee replacement.
This risk is significantly reduced if the surgeon who does the operation performs approximately 30% of his knee replacement practice as partial knee replacements, as Mr Alanie does.
As with any knee replacement surgery: infection, stiffness, blood clots, fracture, damage to nerve and vessel, and implant loosening over time are possible
