Partial Knee Replacements

A partial knee replacement is where half of the knee joint is removed and replaced with a metal and plastic prosthesis.

They are performed when there is damage to one side of the knee joint, usually from arthritis. They are sometimes known as a Uni Knee Replacement (UKR) or Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Approximately half a million partial knee replacements are carried out each year in the US.

Who Are They Suitable For?

There are strict criteria that assess for the suitability of a uni knee replacement:
1) There can be no damage to the cartilage on the other side of the knee that isn’t being replaced
2) There must be full thickness loss of cartilage on the affected side
3) Both cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) should preferably be intact – see end of page
4) Partial knee replacements are only suitable for osteoarthritis, not inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid)

Patient’s age, weight and activity level do not impact suitability for the surgery.

How Do They Differ From a TKR?

In one third of cases, knee arthritis only affects one side of the knee. It is 6 times more likely to be the inner (medial) side rather than the outer (lateral) which is affected.

In the past, the whole knee had to be replaced, even if part of the knee joint was ok. But about 30 years ago partial knee replacement surgery was developed. It means it is possible to replace only one side of the knee joint meaning the unaffected part of the knee does not undergo unnecessary surgery and leads to a quicker and fuller recovery.

Cruciate Ligament Damage?

As a general rule, you need all your ligaments to be working properly to have a Uni Knee Replacement. However in 2003, the first combined partial knee replacement and ACL reconstruction was successfully performed in the UK. I was the physio responsible for that patient’s rehab. It is always worth discussing with your surgeon what your options are.

My Experience and Advice

People do really well after a partial knee replacement. Virtually all my clients who have had one absolutely rave about them. It is obviously a bit painful for a few weeks after the surgery but the post-operative pain is usually much less than the pain from arthritis and even that settles within a few weeks. People are always amazed how quickly they are up and about and get back to all their normal activities and more. Being able to walk, run, play sports etc again gives them a new lease of life.

If the surgeon thinks you are an appropriate candidate for partial knee surgery, have it. They work really well. You also have the reassurance of knowing that if something did go wrong (which hardly ever happens!) you still have the option of having a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) at a later date. It is much simpler to convert a Partial Knee to a Total Knee Replacement than have a repeat TKR.

Find Out More

Surgery: What actually happens during Partial Knee surgery
Recovery: Including how successful surgery is and when you can return to activities
Problems and Risks: A guide to the most common problems associated with partial knee surgery
Common Questions: Answers to the most frequently asked questions after partial knee surgery
Partial vs Total Knee Replacements: Compare the two to find out which surgery is right for you

Go to Knee Replacement Overview or Homepage

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Updated 30th April 2013
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