✦ Unicompartmental Surgery

Partial Knee Replacement

Q: How long does a partial knee replacement last?

Modern unicompartmental implants last 10–15+ years in appropriately selected patients. Annual follow-up helps detect progression of disease in other compartments early.

Q: Is partial knee replacement successful?

Yes — partial knee replacement has >90% patient satisfaction at 10 years in correctly selected patients. Careful patient selection is the most critical factor for success.

Q: What are partial knee replacement failure symptoms?

Warning signs include recurrence of knee pain, new swelling, a sensation of instability, or reduced range of motion. These should be reviewed promptly by Dr. Satish.

Q: Can I have a total knee replacement later if needed?

Yes. Conversion from partial to total knee replacement is a well-established procedure and is straightforward in most cases.

Only the damaged compartment of the knee is resurfaced — preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and cruciate ligaments for a more natural feel, faster recovery, and quicker return to daily life.

45–60 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

4–6 Weeks RETURN TO ACTIVITY

10–15+ Yrs IMPLANT LIFE

What is Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) resurfaces only the affected compartment of the knee — most commonly the medial (inner) side — while leaving the healthy cartilage, bone, and both cruciate ligaments completely untouched. The result is a knee that feels more natural, moves more freely, and recovers significantly faster than a total knee replacement. It is an ideal solution for patients whose arthritis is genuinely confined to one compartment, confirmed by clinical examination, X-rays, and MRI.

Suitable for patients with isolated single-compartment knee osteoarthritis (most commonly medial), intact cruciate ligaments, a correctable deformity under 15°, and a BMI under 40. Not suitable for inflammatory arthritis or multi-compartment disease.

How the Procedure Works

Patient Selection

Confirmed by clinical examination, standing X-rays, and MRI — disease confined to one compartment with intact cruciate ligaments.

Smaller Incision

A significantly smaller incision than total knee replacement targets only the affected compartment.

Compartment-Only Resection

Bone cuts are made exclusively on the damaged femoral condyle and tibial plateau — all healthy tissue is preserved.

Unicompartmental Implant

A metal femoral component and plastic tibial insert are fitted and secured — restoring smooth, pain-free joint movement.

Same-Day Mobilisation

Patients walk the day of or day after surgery; most go home within 1–2 days.

Outcomes

45–60 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%PATIENT SATISFACTION

4–6 WeeksRETURN TO DAILY ACTIVITY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Smaller incision — less scarring and faster healing
→Faster return to daily activities compared to total knee replacement
→More natural knee feel — cruciate ligaments and healthy compartments preserved
→Lower blood loss and shorter anaesthesia time
→Can be converted to total knee replacement if ever required
→Shorter hospital stay — most patients discharged within 1–2 days

"Partial knee replacement is an underused procedure. In the right patient — where disease truly is confined to one compartment — it consistently outperforms total knee replacement in patient satisfaction and recovery speed."

— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How long does a partial knee replacement last?+

Is partial knee replacement successful?+

What are partial knee replacement failure symptoms?+

Can I have a total knee replacement later if needed?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Satish Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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