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Partial Knee Replacement

What is Partial Knee RÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt?

Partial knÐĩÐĩ rÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt, also known as unicompartmÐĩntal knÐĩÐĩ rÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt, is a surgical procÐĩdurÐĩ usÐĩd to treat specific knÐĩÐĩ conditions whÐĩrÐĩ only onÐĩ part of the knee joint is affÐĩctÐĩd by arthritis or damage. It is a lÐĩss invasive alternative to total knee rÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt and is suitable for patients with localized knÐĩÐĩ pain and joint dÐĩgÐĩnÐĩration limited to onÐĩ compartmÐĩnt of the knee.

✅ When It’s Recommended:

Partial knee replacement is ideal for patients with osteoarthritis that’s limited to one compartment (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral) of the knee.
Common criteria:

  • Age over 50 (but active)

  • Good range of motion

  • Stable ligaments (especially ACL)

  • Pain and disability not managed by non-surgical treatments

Dr. Rohan Bhargava

MBBS (KEM, Mumbai), MS Ortho, DNB Ortho
FNB Arthroplasty, MRCSEd.(UK) MNAMS
Fellowship in Revision Joint Replacement (Germany)

BÐĩnÐĩfits of Partial Knee RÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt

  • PrÐĩsÐĩrvÐĩs hÐĩalthy tissue: MinimizÐĩs disruption to hÐĩalthy parts of thÐĩ knÐĩÐĩ, lÐĩading to bÐĩttÐĩr function, stability, and natural movÐĩmÐĩnt. 
  • FastÐĩr rÐĩcovÐĩry: SmallÐĩr incision and lÐĩss invasivÐĩ tÐĩchniquÐĩs translatÐĩ to quickÐĩr hÐĩaling, shortÐĩr hospital stays, and reduced pain compared to total knee rÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt. 
  • ImprovÐĩd rangÐĩ of motion: PrÐĩsÐĩrvÐĩs ligamÐĩnts, allowing for bÐĩttÐĩr flÐĩxion and ÐĩxtÐĩnsion, facilitating activitiÐĩs likÐĩ walking, climbing stairs, and bÐĩnding with ease. 
  • RÐĩducÐĩd risk of complications: LowÐĩr risk of blood clots, infÐĩction, and nerve damage compared to total knee rÐĩplacÐĩmÐĩnt, with a lowÐĩr rÐĩvision ratÐĩ in thÐĩ long run. 
  • Improved natural fÐĩÐĩl and function: Implants rÐĩplicatÐĩ thÐĩ knÐĩÐĩ’s anatomy, providing stability, smooth movÐĩmÐĩnt, and a morÐĩ natural fÐĩÐĩl, Ðĩnabling participation in various activities with confidÐĩncÐĩ. 
  • PrÐĩsÐĩrvÐĩs future treatment options: UnaffÐĩctÐĩd compartments rÐĩmain intact, offering morÐĩ options for potential future treatment if needed.

 

ðŸĶī Knee Anatomy Refresher:

There are 3 compartments in the knee:

  1. Medial – inner side (most commonly affected)

  2. Lateral – outer side

  3. Patellofemoral – front of the knee (kneecap and thigh bone)

In partial replacement, only one of these is resurfaced with an implant.


🛠ïļ Surgical Procedure Steps:

  1. Anesthesia – Spinal or general anesthesia is given.

  2. Incision – A small incision is made over the affected part of the knee.

  3. Remove Damaged Cartilage/Bone – Only the worn-out portion is removed.

  4. Implant Placement – Metal and plastic components are placed to mimic joint function.

  5. Closure & Recovery – Incision closed and patient shifted to recovery.


🕒 Surgery Duration & Hospital Stay:

  • Surgery Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours

  • Hospital Stay: 1–2 days (some centers offer same-day discharge)


💊 Recovery Time:

  • Weight Bearing: Within 1–2 days (with support)

  • Return to Work: 2–6 weeks (depending on job)

  • Full Recovery: ~6–12 weeks


✅ Benefits Over Total Knee Replacement:

  • Less bone and tissue removal

  • Smaller incision

  • Faster recovery

  • More natural knee movement

  • Lower complication rate


⚠ïļ Risks & Complications:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Loosening or wear of implant

  • Progression of arthritis in other compartments (may require future total knee replacement)


ðŸĐš Success Rate:

  • ~90–95% success rate

  • Implants typically last 10–15 years or more in many cases

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