Partial Knee Replacement: Procedure, Benefits, Risks, and Recovery

Understand the essentials of partial knee replacement, from surgical steps to outcomes and long-term recovery strategies.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Understand the essentials of partial knee replacement, from surgical steps to outcomes and long-term recovery strategies.

Partial Knee Replacement: What You Need to Know

Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in a knee where damage is limited to a single compartment. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, a partial replacement targets only the affected area, preserving healthy bone and tissue. This intervention is typically recommended for individuals with osteoarthritis or localized trauma in one section of the knee.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) involves replacing the damaged portion of your knee joint—either the medial (inside), lateral (outside), or patellofemoral (top) compartment—with an artificial prosthesis composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. The rest of your knee structure, including ligaments and healthy cartilage, is left intact, which leads to a more natural-feeling joint post-surgery.

Targets only the affected part of the knee
Preserves as much healthy bone and tissue as possible
Often performed using minimally invasive techniques
Commonly recommended for early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis limited to one compartment

Comparison Table: Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement

Feature	Partial Knee Replacement	Total Knee Replacement
Portion of Knee Replaced	One compartment	Entire joint
Incision Size	2–3 inches	8 inches or larger
Tissue Preservation	Ligaments and healthy bone preserved	Some tissues and ligaments may be removed
Recovery Time	Shorter, less painful	Longer, potentially more discomfort
Hospital Stay	Often outpatient or one night	Usually requires overnight stay
Suitability	Localized arthritis or damage	Extensive joint damage

Who Is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?

Not everyone with knee pain or arthritis is eligible for a partial knee replacement. Candidacy is determined through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and your overall health status.

Ideal candidates: Those with osteoarthritis limited to one compartment, intact ligaments (especially the ACL), and minimal deformity.
Less suited: Individuals with widespread joint damage, inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis), or significant knee instability or deformity.
Patients with ongoing infections or severe obesity may not be suitable for surgery.
Your surgeon will usually confirm eligibility with physical examination and advanced imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation for a partial knee replacement involves several steps to ensure optimal safety and outcomes.

Preoperative Assessment: Includes medical history review, physical examination, and imaging to validate disease location and severity.
Anesthesia Consultation: Choices typically include general anesthesia (full sleep), spinal/epidural anesthesia (numb below the waist), or regional nerve blocks for focused pain control.
Patient-Surgeon Discussion: Your surgeon may mark the operative site and review the planned procedure, and discuss possible conversion to total knee replacement if findings during surgery warrant it.
Medication management, fasting protocols, and logistics about hospital stay or outpatient procedure are also covered.

The Partial Knee Replacement Procedure

The surgery itself is a highly standardized but complex process designed for precise placement and quick recovery.

Incision: A 2–5 inch incision is made over the knee.
Inspection: The surgeon will examine all three compartments of the knee to confirm damage is limited to one section. If more widespread damage is noted, a total knee replacement may proceed instead.
Resection: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed using specialized surgical instruments, while healthy tissue is spared.
Implant: The artificial component is secured in place with bone cement or a press-fit technique, which allows bone growth onto the implant over time.
Spacer: A plastic spacer is inserted between metal pieces to provide a smooth gliding surface for joint movement.
Closure: The wound is closed with stitches or staples, and sterile dressings applied.

Some advanced centers use robotic systems (such as the MAKOplasty® technology), which help surgeons achieve highly accurate alignment and implant placement using 3D imaging and real-time feedback, resulting in potentially better motion and fewer complications.

Benefits and Advantages

Quicker Recovery: Minimally invasive approach results in less pain and faster recovery.
Smaller Incision: Less scarring and tissue trauma than total knee replacement.
Preservation of Healthy Structure: Most of your native ligaments, cartilage, and bone remain intact, giving the knee a more natural feel after surgery.
High Satisfaction Rates: Many patients experience significant pain relief and regain mobility for years after surgery.
Option to Convert: If arthritis progresses, a total knee replacement remains feasible in the future.

Potential Risks and Complications

Partial knee replacement carries certain risks, although most are rare with proper candidate selection and surgical technique.

Infection: As with any surgery, infection is a risk, generally minimized by sterile technique and antibiotics.
Blood Clots: The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is present; preventive measures include compression devices and blood-thinning medication.
Implant Issues: Loosening, wear, or misalignment of components can occur over time.
Stiffness or Continuing Pain: Some patients may have persistent discomfort, swelling, or limited range of motion.
Need for Revision Surgery: A small percentage may require a conversion to total knee replacement if arthritis affects other compartments later on.

Most complications can be managed effectively when addressed promptly by orthopedic specialists.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery is generally quicker and less painful compared to total knee replacement.

Immediate Post-Op: Most patients spend several hours in the recovery room. Some may be discharged the same day, while others stay overnight for monitoring.
Mobility: Patients are often encouraged to walk with support on the same or next day of surgery. Early movement helps prevent clots and accelerates healing.
Physical therapy typically begins within 24–48 hours to strengthen muscles, restore motion, and teach safe ambulation.
Pain Management: Medication and regional anesthesia provide relief during the first 2–3 days post-op.
Recovery Timeline: Most patients resume daily activities within 3–6 weeks, sports or higher-impact activities generally after 2–6 months, depending on individual healing and activity demands.

Long-Term Outlook and Success Rates

Partial knee replacements are associated with high levels of patient satisfaction and postoperative activity. Many patients regain significant mobility and independence for years following the procedure. Studies show that partial knee prostheses last 10–15 years in most cases, depending on activity, weight, and overall health.

Success Factors: Proper candidate selection, skilled surgical technique, and active postoperative rehabilitation enhance the odds of a long-lasting, functional implant.
Maintenance: Protect your knee from excessive stress, maintain a healthy weight, and adhere to recommended exercise regimens.
Follow-up Care: Regular appointments help monitor implant performance and address any issues early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement treats only the damaged compartment, sparing most knee structures for a more natural movement, whereas total knee replacement replaces the entire joint and often involves sacrificing some ligaments and tissue.

Will I be awake during surgery?

You may receive general anesthesia (so you sleep through the procedure), spinal/epidural anesthesia (numb below the waist but awake), or a combination with nerve blocks for pain management. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will guide you through the options.

How soon will I be able to walk after surgery?

Patients typically begin walking with assistance as early as the same day or next day, depending on individual recovery and comfort level.

What is the typical recovery period?

Most patients resume routine activities in 3–6 weeks, with full recovery for vigorous activities after a few months.

Can arthritis spread after a partial knee replacement?

It is possible for other compartments of the knee to develop arthritis over time. If this happens, a total knee replacement can still be performed, as healthy bone is preserved during partial replacement.

Will my knee feel normal after surgery?

Many patients report feeling a near-normal, stable knee thanks to preserved ligaments and minimal removal of healthy tissue, though some may notice differences in sensation or flexibility.

Summary Table: Quick Facts About Partial Knee Replacement

Aspect	Details
Target Condition	Osteoarthritis in a single compartment
Outpatient/Stay	Most cases outpatient or one-night hospitalization
Implant Materials	Metal, plastic, ceramic
Incision Length	2–5 inches
Typical Recovery	3–6 weeks for daily activities, 2–6 months for sports
Longevity	10–15 years average
Success Rate	High in properly selected patients

When to Consult Your Orthopedic Surgeon

If you have persistent knee pain, swelling, or stiffness despite conservative therapies
If you’re unable to perform daily activities due to localized knee damage
If you want to discuss whether partial knee replacement is right for you and what to expect medically and financially

Additional Resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Educational materials on knee replacement options
Major hospital websites: Specific details on surgical techniques, recovery advice, and cost
Physical Therapy Services: Support for pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation plans

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete