Partial Knee Replacement: Pros, Cons & How to Know If It’s Right for You

Knee pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it can affect your mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. For many people partial knee replacement (PKR), also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, offers a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement. But how do you know if it’s right for you? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged compartment of the knee, rather than resurfacing the entire joint as in a total knee replacement. The knee has three compartments:

1. Medial(inside)
2. Lateral(outside)
3. Patellofemoral(front, under the kneecap)

If arthritis or damage is limited to just one of these areas, PKR can preserve more of your natural bone and ligaments, often resulting in faster recovery and a more natural feel after surgery.

Who Is a Candidate?

You might be a good candidate for partial knee replacement if:

• Arthritis is confined to one compartment of your knee.
• Your ligaments (especially the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL) are intact.
• You have a stable knee and good range of motion.
• You have not experienced severe deformity or advanced inflammatory arthritis.

Common causes leading to PKR include osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and, less commonly, avascular necrosis.

An orthopedic evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests (X-rays, MRI) will help determine if you qualify. Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu, a leading orthopedic surgeon, often emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis before recommending PKR over total knee replacement.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. Anesthesia– Most surgeries use spinal or general anesthesia.
2. Small incision– The surgeon makes a smaller incision than in total knee replacement.
3. Removal of damaged tissue– Only the affected cartilage and bone are removed.
4. Implant placement– A prosthetic component made of metal and plastic is inserted to replace the damaged part.
5. Closure and recovery– The incision is closed, and recovery begins almost immediately with guided physiotherapy.

The procedure usually takes 1–2 hours and may be performed as an inpatient or outpatient surgery.

Pros of Partial Knee Replacement

1. Less Invasive

Because PKR involves a smaller incision and less tissue disruption, patients often experience less postoperative pain and swelling.

2. Faster Recovery

Many patients walk with assistance the same day or the day after surgery. Recovery timelines can be shorter compared to total knee replacement.

3. More Natural Knee Function

PKR preserves ligaments like the ACL, which helps maintain natural knee movement and proprioception (your ability to sense joint position).

4. Less Blood Loss

Smaller surgical exposure means reduced risk of needing a blood transfusion.

5. Better Range of Motion

Since more of the native knee structure remains intact, patients often regain a better range of motion.

Cons of Partial Knee Replacement

1. Limited Candidacy

Not everyone qualifies. If arthritis affects multiple compartments, PKR may not provide adequate relief.

2. Risk of Needing Further Surgery

If arthritis develops in the remaining compartments, you may need a revision surgery to convert PKR to total knee replacement.

3. Durability Concerns

While many implants last 10–15 years or more, they may wear out sooner in younger, more active patients.

4. Technical Demands

The surgery is more technique-sensitive, requiring high surgical precision to ensure proper alignment and balance.

5. Potential Complications

These include infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant loosening, or persistent pain.

Recovery Timeline

Week 1–2:

• Walking with a cane or walker.
• Pain managed with medication and ice therapy.
• Gentle physiotherapy exercises begin.

Week 3–6:

• Gradual increase in activity.
• Improved range of motion and muscle strength.
• Ability to walk without major assistance.

Month 3 and beyond:

• Return to low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking.
• Ongoing strengthening and flexibility work.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 6 weeks and to recreational sports in about 3–6 months.

Signs You May Benefit from PKR

• Localized knee pain on one side of the joint.
• Pain worsens with activity but improves with rest.
• Conservative treatments (medications, injections, physiotherapy) no longer work.
• Imaging confirms arthritis in only one compartment.

If your symptoms match these, it’s worth discussing PKR with your orthopedic specialist.

Lifestyle After Partial Knee Replacement

The goal of PKR isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to get you back to the activities you enjoy. Most surgeons recommend:

• Avoiding high-impact sportslike basketball or running on hard surfaces.
• Maintaining a healthy weightto reduce strain on your joint.
• Continuing physiotherapyexercises at home to maintain flexibility and strength.
• Monitoring knee healthwith regular follow-ups.

The Role of an Experienced Surgeon

PKR is highly technique-dependent. A skilled orthopedic surgeon ensures accurate implant positioning, proper ligament balancing, and optimal results. Choosing a surgeon who performs PKR frequently—and has access to advanced technology such as computer-assisted navigation—can significantly improve your outcome.

Conclusion

Partial knee replacement can be a life-changing procedure for people with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. It offers faster recovery, a more natural feel, and less invasive surgery compared to total knee replacement. However, it’s not for everyone, and the decision should be made after a thorough evaluation.

If you are considering PKR, consult an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu to determine if you are a good candidate. With proper surgical expertise, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments, partial knee replacement can restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life—helping you return to the activities you love.

Book a consultation with Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu at Continental Hospitals today to discover if partial knee replacement is the right choice for you.