Partial Knee Replacement

Only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced; the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments are left alone. It suits arthritis confined to one side of the joint, most often the inner side.

What the operation involves

A smaller incision than a total replacement and around an hour under spinal or general anaesthetic. Whether you are a candidate is decided on your X-rays and on what the surgeon finds during the operation; occasionally a planned partial becomes a total, and you should consent to both.

Recovery and what to expect

Usually faster than a total replacement — often two to three days in hospital, and a knee that feels more natural because the cruciate ligaments are preserved. Expect to be walking with support almost immediately.

Honest expectations

A partial is more likely than a total to need revision later, because arthritis can progress in the compartments left behind. Better early function against a higher chance of further surgery is the trade-off you are actually choosing.

What we arrange around it

About two to three weeks including physiotherapy and the wound check.