Partial Knee Replacement

Knee pain from arthritis or injury can make everyday activities difficult. Partial knee replacement — also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty — is an option for patients whose arthritis is limited to one part of the knee. When appropriate, it can offer a more natural‑feeling recovery than a total knee replacement.

What is a Partial Knee Replacement?

During a partial knee replacement, a surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from only the affected compartment of the knee — typically the medial (inside), lateral (outside), or patellofemoral (front) compartment. The healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the rest of the knee are preserved. The damaged area is then resurfaced with a small prosthesis made of metal and high‑grade plastics.

This approach maintains more of your natural knee structure, which often leads to a more natural feeling after recovery.

Who should have a Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement is best suited for patients whose arthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee. Ideal candidates typically:

• Have pain and stiffness in one specific area of the knee
• Have intact ligaments, especially the ACL
• Have tried nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections without enough relief
• Want to maintain as much of their natural knee as possible

If pain during daily activities becomes constant and conservative treatments no longer help, it may be time to consider surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine whether a partial or total knee replacement is the better option for your condition. Arthritis is a progressive disease that is rarely halted in its tracks and partial knee replacements do not usually last as long, so typically the concern is needing a total knee replacement within a few years of a partial one.

How Well Does a Partial Knee Replacement work?

For the right patient, partial knee replacement is a highly effective treatment. Many people experience:

• Faster recovery compared to total knee replacement
• A more natural‑feeling knee
• Less postoperative pain
• Smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissue

While partial knee replacement is not as common as total knee replacement, the recovery overall is similar. OrthoNebraska is recognized for excellence in joint replacement due to our high surgical volume, low infection rates, shorter hospital stays, low nurse-to-patient ratios, and our strong recovery program which features technology in between appointments, home exercises and tight connectivity between surgeon and physical therapy. Our team excels at helping patients regain mobility and return to the activities they enjoy.

What can I expect when I have a Partial Knee Replacement?

Once your surgery is scheduled at OrthoNebraska, a nurse navigator will contact you to review your needs and guide you through our online educational videos and preparation materials.

Before surgery

We will encourage you to:

• Arrange for help at home for the first few days, though some patients do go home alone after partial knee replacement
• Prepare your home by clearing walkways, removing loose rugs, and securing handrails
• Complete a pre‑surgical physical with your primary care provider and, if needed, specialists such as Cardiology or Pulmonology

On the day of surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and anesthesiology team. Depending on your needs, anesthesia may include a nerve block, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour, followed by 1–2 hours in the recovery room before moving to your private room.

After surgery

Once you are settled, your therapy team and nurse navigators will help you work toward independence and your discharge goals. Many patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital, and we use a multi-modal plan for pain control that is customized to each patient.

After discharge, outpatient physical therapy is common and helps restore strength and mobility. Whether you return home with help or on your own, your discharge plan will be tailored to ensure your safe recovery.

Recovery timeline

Recovery from partial knee replacement is often considered faster than total knee replacement, though each person’s journey is unique. Most  patients:

• Walk with assistance the same day
• Resume daily activities within a few weeks
• Experience continued improvement over several months

Full recovery varies by individual health and dedication to therapy, but many people return to normal activities sooner than with a total knee replacement. Again though, many patients with an arthritic knee will be ineligible for this procedure.