Unicondylar knee replacement for arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee, with preservation of healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments where possible.
Partial knee replacement, also called unicondylar or unicompartmental knee replacement, replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee. The healthy compartments and important ligaments are preserved when they are functioning well.
It is considered when arthritis is clearly limited to one part of the knee and non-surgical care no longer provides enough pain relief or mobility.
Partial knee replacement may be considered when assessment shows:
For the right patient, the operation may offer:
Recovery depends on age, fitness, bone quality and the condition of the rest of the knee. Most patients begin walking with support soon after surgery and follow a physiotherapy plan to restore knee movement, strength and confidence.
A careful pre-operative assessment is important because partial knee replacement is not suitable when arthritis involves multiple compartments or when ligament stability is poor.
Partial (unicondylar) knee replacement suits patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee, with good ligament stability and a reasonable range of motion. A clinical examination and X-rays confirm whether it is the right option for you.
A partial replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment while preserving the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments. This usually means a smaller incision, less bone removal, a more natural-feeling knee and often a quicker recovery than a total knee replacement.
Many patients recover faster than after a total knee replacement, often with a shorter hospital stay. A guided physiotherapy plan supports a steady return to walking and everyday activities.
Costs, recovery time, whether surgery is even needed in your case — send your question and get a call back within one working day.
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