Partial knee joint replacement

A targeted solution for knee pain

A partial knee joint replacement is an effective treatment option for individuals with arthritis or damage limited to one part of the knee. Unlike a full knee replacement, this procedure focuses only on replacing the damaged section of the knee joint, preserving the healthy parts. The goal of a partial knee joint replacement is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to everyday activities with less discomfort.

During the surgery, the worn-out or damaged tissue and bone in the affected area are removed, and a small prosthesis made of metal and plastic is inserted. This new component integrates smoothly with the rest of your knee, providing improved movement and reducing pain.

The recovery time for a partial knee joint replacement is often shorter than that of a total knee replacement, and since more of your natural knee is preserved, it can feel more like your own knee after the procedure.

Who is a Candidate?

• Patients with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee
• Good range of motion, intact ligaments and a stable knee overall
• Less severe deformity than candidates for a total knee replacement
• Often younger and more active patients who want to preserve more natural knee function
• Not suitable if arthritis affects multiple compartments or if there’s significant stiffness and instability.

Recovery Timeline

(May vary with provider)

• Hospital stay: 1–3 days
• Early recovery: Walking with aids within 24 hours; quicker return to mobility than total knee replacement
• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy from day 1, focusing on motion and strength
• Return to daily activities: 4–6 weeks (usually faster than total knee joint replacement)
• Full recovery:  approximately 3–6 months, but varies with patient activity level.

Benefits

• Smaller surgery compared to total knee joint replacement as less bone and tissue is removed
• Faster recovery, less pain post-op
• More “natural-feeling” knee with better range of motion
• Easier revision surgery if needed later.

Risks

• Usual surgical risks: infection, blood clots, bleeding.
• Implant-related: loosening, wear, progression of arthritis in the other compartments.
• Persistent pain or stiffness.
• Need for conversion to total knee replacement in the future.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.