What is partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint, rather than the entire knee. It is typically recommended for patients with arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee.

 

Because the healthy parts of the knee are preserved, this approach can:

• Maintain more natural knee movement

• Preserve ligaments and bone

• Allow for faster recovery compared to total knee replacement

 

Partial knee replacement works by removing damaged cartilage and bone in a specific area and replacing it with a precisely fitted implant.

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Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?

You may be a candidate if you have:

• Arthritis limited to one part of the knee

• Persistent knee pain not improving with conservative treatment

• Good ligament stability (especially ACL integrity)

• Reasonable alignment of the knee

 

Partial knee replacement is not appropriate for everyone, and careful evaluation—including imaging—is required.

Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: What’s the difference?

 

Partial Knee Replacement

• Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee

• Preserves healthy bone and ligaments

• Often feels more “natural” after surgery

• Typically allows for faster early recovery

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Total Knee Replacement

• Replaces the entire knee joint

• Used when arthritis is more widespread

• More predictable long-term durability in some cases

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The best option depends on your specific anatomy, arthritis pattern, and goals.

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Benefits of partial knee replacement

Compared to total knee replacement, partial knee replacement may offer:

• Smaller incision and less disruption to tissue

• Faster recovery and earlier return to activity

• Less postoperative pain

• More natural knee motion

 

When performed with robotic assistance, precision in implant placement may improve alignment and reduce complications

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Robotic-assisted partial knee replacement:

Robotic-assisted technology allows for:

• Highly precise implant positioning

• Customized surgical planning based on your anatomy

• Improved alignment and balance of the knee

 

Studies show robotic-assisted partial knee replacement can:

• Reduce complications such as implant malposition

• Improve surgical accuracy

• Potentially improve long-term outcomes

 

This technology helps ensure the implant is placed exactly where it should be—while still relying on surgeon expertise for decision-making.

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What is recovery like after partial knee replacement?

Recovery varies by patient, but many individuals experience:

• Walking the same day or shortly after surgery

• Return to basic daily activities within a few weeks

• Faster recovery compared to total knee replacement (typically better than you were prior to surgery at 5-6 weeks)

 

With robotic-assisted techniques, recovery may be shortened in some cases, with patients returning to activity sooner

 

Your recovery will depend on:

• Overall health

• Strength and mobility before surgery

• Commitment to post operative inflammatory reduction protocols and physical therapy

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What are the risks or limitations?

While partial knee replacement offers many advantages, it is important to understand:

• Arthritis can progress in other parts of the knee over time

• Some patients may require conversion to total knee replacement in the future

• Not all patients are candidates

 

Careful patient selection is key to achieving the best outcome.

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A more personalized approach to knee replacement

 

Not every patient needs a total knee replacement.

For the right patient, partial knee replacement offers a less invasive, more natural-feeling solution that preserves as much of the native knee as possible.

Dr. Ryan Cone specializes in:

• Robotic-assisted knee replacement

• Muscle-sparing techniques

• Personalized surgical planning

His goal is to match the procedure to the patient—not the other way around.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is partial knee replacement better than total knee replacement?

 

a:It depends. Partial knee replacement is less invasive and may allow faster recovery, but total knee replacement may be more appropriate for widespread arthritis.

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How long does a partial knee replacement last?

 

a:Many partial knee replacements last 10–15+ years, but longevity depends on patient factors and progression of arthritis.

 

Is robotic partial knee replacement worth it?

 

a: Robotic assistance improves precision and alignment, which may reduce complications and improve outcomes, but surgeon experience remains the most important factor.

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Will my knee feel normal after surgery?

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a: Many patients report a more natural feeling knee compared to total knee replacement because ligaments are preserved.

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Conclusion

Partial knee replacement can be an excellent solution for patients with arthritis limited to one part of the knee. It offers smaller surgery, faster recovery, and more natural movement compared to total knee replacement. Speak Dr. Cone to see if this treatment is right for you.

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References

1. Kozinn, S. C., & Scott, R. (1989). Unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 71(1), 145–150.

2. Pandit, H., Jenkins, C., Gill, H. S., Barker, K., Dodd, C. A., & Murray, D. W. (2011). Minimally invasive Oxford phase 3 unicompartmental knee replacement: Results of 1,000 cases. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British), 93-B(2), 198–204.

3. Liddle, A. D., Judge, A., Pandit, H., & Murray, D. W. (2014). Adverse outcomes after total and unicompartmental knee replacement in 101,330 matched patients: A study of data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales. Lancet, 384(9952), 1437–1445.

4. Price, A. J., Webb, J., Topf, H., Dodd, C. A., & Murray, D. W. (2001). Rapid recovery after Oxford unicompartmental arthroplasty through a short incision. Journal of Arthroplasty, 16(8), 970–976.