Partial Knee Replacement
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.
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
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Smaller incision — less scarring and faster healing
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Faster return to daily activities compared to total knee replacement
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More natural knee feel — cruciate ligaments and healthy compartments preserved
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Lower blood loss and shorter anaesthesia time
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Can be converted to total knee replacement if ever required
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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 Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,20,000, with an indicative average cost of around ₹2,50,000. Partial knee replacement may be considered for selected patients whose arthritis is mainly limited to one compartment of the knee, with suitable ligament function, alignment and remaining joint surfaces. The final cost depends on implant selection, severity of arthritis, bone and ligament condition, surgical requirements and postoperative rehabilitation.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,20,000 |
The above range is indicative; the final package and inclusions should be confirmed with the hospital before publication. Partial knee replacement is generally considered when arthritis is confined predominantly to a single compartment and the remaining knee structures are suitable. Final suitability depends on clinical examination and imaging.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Partial Knee Replacement
The overall cost of Partial Knee Replacement can vary depending on the extent of arthritis, implant selection, knee alignment, ligament stability, bone quality, surgical requirements and postoperative rehabilitation.
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Extent of arthritis: The location and severity of cartilage damage and arthritis within the knee can influence treatment planning and surgical complexity.
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Implant selection: The type, design and quality of the partial knee replacement implant can significantly affect the overall cost. Implant selection depends on the patient's anatomy and clinical requirements.
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Knee alignment: The overall alignment of the leg and the distribution of load across the knee may influence whether partial replacement is appropriate and can affect surgical planning.
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Ligament condition: Functional ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament in appropriate candidates, are important for partial knee replacement. Ligament deficiency may require consideration of another treatment approach.
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Bone quality: Bone loss, deformity or poor bone quality may affect implant positioning and surgical planning and can influence the final treatment cost.
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Rehabilitation: Postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation are generally important for restoring knee movement, strength and function. Rehabilitation costs may be separate from the surgical package.
Insurance Coverage for Partial Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the patient's policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods, insurer approval and hospital coverage arrangements. Patients should confirm pre-authorisation requirements, implant coverage and applicable out-of-pocket expenses with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with knee arthritis and determine whether Partial Knee Replacement is appropriate based on symptoms, clinical examination, imaging findings, ligament stability and the overall condition of the knee. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee symptoms: The doctor may review pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced walking tolerance and difficulty with activities such as climbing stairs, standing or walking for longer periods. Location of arthritis: The distribution of pain and imaging findings may be assessed to determine whether arthritis is predominantly confined to a single knee compartment. Ligament stability: The condition and function of the knee ligaments may be evaluated because ligament stability is an important consideration when assessing suitability for partial knee replacement. Knee alignment: The alignment of the leg and mechanical axis may be assessed to understand how load is distributed across the knee. Imaging findings: Weight-bearing X-rays and other imaging, when indicated, may be reviewed to evaluate cartilage loss, joint-space narrowing, bone condition and the status of the remaining knee compartments. Previous treatment: Medicines, physiotherapy, injections, activity modification and other treatments previously attempted may be discussed along with the patient's response. Treatment suitability: Based on the overall findings, the doctor may discuss partial knee replacement along with other appropriate treatment options, including non-surgical management or total knee replacement when clinically indicated.
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