Around eight per cent of knee replacements in the UK are partial. Partial knee replacement is suitable for patients where arthritis has not affected all surfaces of the bones in the knee joint and it involves a less invasive procedure, with fewer potential complications and a faster recovery time.
Partial knee replacement surgery is usually performed on patients who have osteoarthritis of the knee joint and is often a good alternative for younger patients where arthritis has occurred in only one area of the knee. It can also be converted to a total knee replacement at a later stage if necessary. If it is performed early in a disease process, it has been shown to prevent the spread of arthritis later on.
The surgery, which involves removing damaged cartilage and bone and placing artificial pieces in the knee, takes less time and is less invasive than a full knee replacement, with a smaller incision and less dissection and bone removal, less blood loss and a shorter recovery time. For some patients surgery is performed as a day case, although most are discharged a day or so after the operation. Long-term results are good for most patients.
You will be able to put your full weight on the knee straight after surgery and most patients are able to walk without an aid by two weeks after surgery. You will need physiotherapy for around four to six months.
The London Knee Unit offers advice and treatment for conditions that affect all parts of the knee. If you would like to find out more about the treatments we provide for orthopaedic conditions please visit our other musculoskeletal sites:
Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle injuries Nerve injuries Shoulder injuries