Some patients may have knee joints with only partial damage. For middle-aged men or women who have osteoarthritis of the knee, for example, only the inner half of the knee is affected at the onset of the condition. If only half of your knee joint is worn out, a unicondylar knee replacement (parial knee replacement) might be preferable to total knee replacement surgery.

What is unicondylar knee replacement surgery?

In total knee replacement surgery, we replace the damaged surfaces of the entire knee joint. With unicondylar, or partial, knee replacement, only the inner half of the knee is implanted with metal inserts and plastic bearings. The outer half of the knee and more of its adjacent tissue remain intact. 

What are the advantages of unicondylar knee replacement?

One advantage of unicondylar knee replacement is that it can be performed through a smaller incision. This causes much less damage to surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time.

During total knee replacement, for example, surgeons typically make a 7 to 8-inch incision, compared to the 3 to 4 inch incision required for minimally-invasive partial knee surgery. Total knee surgery patients stay in the hospital for about four days, with a recovery period of up to three months. By comparison, partial knee patients typically return home after two days in the hospital, with a recovery period of about one month.

Unicondylar knee replacement patients receive pain relief with a long-lasting implant. Since more natural ligaments remain intact, the knee feels more natural. Partial knee patients benefit from a fuller range of motion, including squatting and sitting cross-legged. Patients are able to return to normal activities sooner, often walking unassisted within a week or two following surgery. 

Who is a candidate for unicondylar surgery?

Unicondylar knee replacement is often advantageous for younger, more active patients who wish to delay the need for total knee replacement. If necessary, a partial knee replacement can be revised more easily and effectively than a total knee replacement. It is also an option for patients with disease localized to only half of the knee joint. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your individual needs and options with you.

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