Partial knee replacement surgery, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a specialized orthopedic procedure designed to address localized knee joint issues by replacing only the damaged compartment of the knee. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, partial knee replacement targets specific areas affected by arthritis or injury while preserving the healthy parts of the knee. This approach can offer significant benefits in terms of recovery, function, and overall patient outcomes.
Medial Compartment: The inner part of the knee. Lateral Compartment: The outer part of the knee. Patellofemoral Compartment: The area behind the kneecap. Partial knee replacement is typically recommended when arthritis or other conditions are confined to one or two of these compartments, while the remaining compartments and surrounding structures are still in good condition.
When arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee, partial knee replacement can relieve pain and restore function while preserving the remaining healthy cartilage.For patients with degeneration limited to a specific area of the knee, partial knee replacement provides targeted relief without the need for a more extensive procedure.When non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections have failed to provide relief, partial knee replacement may be considered as an alternative to total knee replacement.
Partial knee replacement involves a smaller incision and less disruption to surrounding tissues compared to total knee replacement, which often results in a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.By only replacing the damaged compartment, partial knee replacement preserves the healthy cartilage and bone in the remaining compartments, potentially leading to a more natural-feeling joint.