What is partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement is a procedure in which only the damaged part of the knee is replaced while the healthy portions of the joint are preserved.

It is also known as unicompartmental knee replacement when arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee.

The knee has three main compartments

• Medial compartment: Inner side of the knee
• Lateral compartment: Outer side of the knee
• Patellofemoral compartment: Front of the knee between the kneecap and thigh bone

If arthritis is limited to one area and the remaining structures are healthy, replacing the entire knee may not always be necessary.

Potential advantages in suitable patients

Because less of the natural knee is removed, partial knee replacement may offer:

• Preservation of healthy bone
• Preservation of important ligaments
• Smaller surgical exposure
• Less blood loss in some patients
• Faster early recovery
• More natural knee movement in selected patients

However, these advantages depend on correct patient selection.

Who may not be suitable?

Partial replacement may not be appropriate when:

• Arthritis affects several knee compartments
• Significant ligament instability is present
• Severe deformity exists
• Inflammatory arthritis affects the joint extensively
• Damage is more widespread than one compartment

At ASIC Clinic, Dr. Atul Mishra evaluates the location of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, symptoms, and X-rays before recommending partial knee replacement. ASIC Clinic specifically describes the procedure as an option for carefully selected patients rather than an alternative for everyone needing knee replacement.