Partial Knee Replacement

What is Partial Knee Replacement ?

Partial Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure which is being used to relieve arthritis from one of the Knee compartments in which the damaged parts of the Knee are replaced. It is also known as the Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty (UKA).

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery may reduce post-operative pain and have a shorter recovery period compared to Total Knee Replacement Surgery. Also, Partial Knee Replacement may have a smaller incision because the implants may be smaller.

The knee has 3 compartments namely the Medial Compartment (inner side of Knee), the Lateral Compartment (outer side of Knee) and the Patellofemoral Compartment (between the Kneecap and Thigh Bone).

In the early 1950s, Duncan C. McKeever theorized that replacement of the entire Knee might not be necessary if only one Knee Compartment was affected.

The UKA concept was designed to cause less trauma or damage than traditional Partial Knee Replacement Surgery by removing less bone and trying to maintain most of the patient’s bone and anatomy. Also, the concept was designed to use smaller implants and there by keep most of the patient’s bone; this can help patients in returning to normal function faster.