What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement, or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that resurfaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint, preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Your knee has three main compartments: the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (front, under the kneecap). When arthritis is limited to just one of these areas, a partial replacement can be an effective solution.
Unlike a total knee replacement that resurfaces the entire joint, this approach is less invasive. At Sano Specialty Care, our surgeons use this advanced technique to relieve pain and improve function for the right candidates.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
A partial knee replacement is a specialized procedure, and it is not suitable for everyone with knee arthritis. The best candidates typically have:
- Arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee.
- Intact and stable ligaments, particularly the ACL.
- Good range of motion in the knee without significant stiffness.
- Pain that is localized to one side of the joint.
- No significant inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis.
An evaluation with one of our specialists will determine if this procedure is the best option for your specific condition. Schedule an appointment online or visit our urgent care to be seen quickly.
The Evaluation Process
To determine if a partial knee replacement is right for you, our specialists at Sano Orthopedics will perform a detailed evaluation, including:
- Medical history & symptom review – to understand where your pain is located and how it affects your daily life.
- Physical exam – to assess your knee’s alignment, stability, and range of motion.
- Imaging – weight-bearing X-rays are used to identify the specific compartment with cartilage loss. An MRI may also be used to get a better view of the cartilage and ligaments.
This careful assessment allows us to confirm your diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan.
Alternatives to Surgery
Before recommending surgery, we explore conservative treatment options to manage symptoms. These often include:
- Rest & activity modification – shifting to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
- Anti-inflammatory medications – to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy – to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint.
- Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections – to provide temporary pain relief and lubrication.
When these treatments no longer provide relief, it may be time to consider a surgical solution.
The Surgical Procedure Explained
A partial knee replacement is performed through a smaller incision than a total knee replacement. During the procedure, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision to access the knee joint.
- Remove the damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone from only the arthritic compartment.
- Secure metal components to the ends of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) to create a new, smooth surface.
- Place a plastic insert between the metal parts to allow for effortless gliding.
The healthy compartments of your knee are left untouched, preserving more of your natural anatomy.
Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement
One of the main advantages of a partial knee replacement is a potentially faster and less painful recovery compared to a total knee replacement. Here’s a general timeline:
- Initial recovery – most patients can walk within hours of surgery and may go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
- Physical therapy – rehabilitation begins right away to restore mobility and strength.
- Return to activity – many people return to their daily routines within 3 to 6 weeks and can resume low-impact sports and other activities shortly after.
Our care team will provide a structured recovery plan to support you at every step.
Why Choose Sano Specialty Care
- Expertise in knee replacement – our team is highly skilled in both partial and total knee replacement procedures.
- Coordinated care – from diagnosis to surgery to rehab, your care is managed by an integrated team.
- Patient-first approach – we use advanced, bone-preserving techniques and create personalized plans to match your goals.
If you could move without knee pain, what would you do that you couldn’t before? Schedule an appointment to talk with our knee specialists. We can help you find a solution to get you moving comfortably again.
