Partial Knee Replacement

Targeted Treatment for Arthritis Affecting One Part of the Knee

Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, may be an option when arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee. Instead of replacing the entire knee joint, the damaged portion is resurfaced while preserving the healthy cartilage, ligaments, and bone in the rest of the knee.

For carefully selected patients, partial knee replacement can offer excellent pain relief with a smaller operation, a more natural-feeling knee, and a faster early recovery compared with total knee replacement.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Partial knee replacement is usually considered when arthritis is mainly isolated to one area of the knee, most commonly the inner side of the joint. It may be appropriate for patients who have:

Pain localized to one side of the knee
X-rays showing arthritis limited to one compartment
Preserved motion and alignment
Intact major ligaments
Minimal arthritis in the rest of the knee
Symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical care

Not every patient with knee arthritis is a good candidate. If arthritis is more widespread, if there is significant deformity, or if the ligaments are not functioning well, total knee replacement may be a better option.

Why Assessment Matters

Many patients are told they have “bone-on-bone arthritis” and assume that a specific operation is required. In reality, the best surgical option depends on the pattern of arthritis, the alignment of the leg, ligament function, activity level, and the patient’s goals.

A consultation and updated imaging are often needed to determine whether partial knee replacement is appropriate. In some cases, patients who appear to be candidates for a partial knee replacement may be better treated with a total knee replacement. In other cases, partial knee replacement may allow us to preserve more of the natural knee.

Potential Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

When the arthritis pattern is suitable, partial knee replacement may offer:

A smaller operation than total knee replacement.
Preservation of more normal knee structures.
A knee that may feel more natural.
Faster early recovery for many patients.
Less bone removal.
Easier future conversion to total knee replacement if needed.

The key is proper patient selection. Partial knee replacement is not simply a “smaller total knee replacement.” It is a different operation for a specific pattern of arthritis.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the patient, the knee, and the procedure performed. Many patients are walking shortly after surgery and gradually increase their activity over the first several weeks. The early focus is usually on controlling swelling, regaining motion, walking safely, returning to normal daily activities, and building strength gradually as comfort improves.

Most patients require physiotherapy, although the intensity and timing can vary. Higher-level activities and return to sport are discussed individually based on healing, strength, balance, and surgical findings.

Risks and Limitations

Like all surgery, partial knee replacement has risks. These may include infection, stiffness, blood clots, persistent pain, implant wear or loosening, progression of arthritis in the rest of the knee, and the possibility of needing revision surgery in the future.

The most important limitation is that partial knee replacement only treats the damaged compartment. If arthritis progresses elsewhere in the knee, further surgery may eventually be needed.

Private Surgery Considerations

Partial knee replacement pricing can vary depending on the facility, implant requirements, anesthesia, overnight stay requirements, and whether additional complexity is identified during assessment. Pricing may also differ between locations such as Calgary and Vancouver.

Because the correct procedure is not always obvious from X-Ray, MRI, or a previous diagnosis, we generally recommend confirming the diagnosis and surgical plan before providing detailed cost information.

Is Partial Knee Replacement Right for Me?

Partial knee replacement can be an excellent option for the right patient, but it is not appropriate for every arthritic knee. The goal is to match the operation to the actual problem, rather than forcing the knee into a predetermined procedure.

A consultation can help clarify whether partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or continued non-surgical treatment is the most appropriate next step.

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