Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged part of the knee instead of the whole joint. It is an option when arthritis is limited to one section of the knee, most often the inner side. Because more of the natural knee is kept, recovery is often faster than with a total knee replacement.
Procedure overview
What happens during Partial Knee Replacement?
- Performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
- Surgery typically takes about one to two hours, often through a smaller incision than a total knee replacement.
- Commonly done as an outpatient procedure, many patients go home the same day.
- Walking with support usually begins the day of surgery, and physical therapy starts soon after.
- Many people return to daily activities within about four to six weeks; full recovery commonly takes a few months.
Recovery
What is recovery like after Partial Knee Replacement?
Because a partial knee replacement disturbs less of the joint than a full replacement, recovery is usually quicker. Many patients are up and walking the same day and off a walker within one to two weeks. Physical therapy starts right away and centers on range of motion and rebuilding thigh-muscle strength. People often return to desk work in two to four weeks and to low-impact activities like walking, cycling, and golf within about six to eight weeks. The knee tends to feel more natural than a full replacement. As with any joint surgery, contact your surgeon about fever, calf swelling or pain, or increasing redness and drainage.
Top joint replacement surgeons
Alan S. Nasar
VerifiedAleksandr Khaimov
VerifiedAndrew L. Rosen
VerifiedBertrand P. Kaper
VerifiedCharles Moon
VerifiedChristopher J. Chen
VerifiedDaniel C. Allison
VerifiedDavid R. Whiddon
VerifiedFriedrich Boettner
VerifiedGeorge J. Haidukewych
VerifiedGeorge K. Myo
VerifiedJames Kayvanfar
VerifiedJeremy B. McCandless
VerifiedJohn E. Samani
VerifiedJohn G. Kloss
VerifiedJohn T. Kroner
VerifiedJoseph D. Maratt
VerifiedLige M. Kaplan
VerifiedMichael D. Miller
VerifiedMichael J. Bronson
VerifiedNitin Goyal
VerifiedPaul B. Jacob
VerifiedPaul N. Morton
VerifiedPeter B. Salamon
VerifiedCommon questions
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
A partial replacement resurfaces only the worn section of the knee and keeps the healthy parts, while a total replacement resurfaces the entire joint. Partial replacement typically means a smaller incision and a quicker early recovery, but it only works when the arthritis is limited to one area.
Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?
Candidates typically have arthritis confined to one part of the knee with healthy ligaments and good motion. Imaging and an exam by a surgeon determine whether a partial replacement is an option.
Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total one later?
Yes. If arthritis later spreads to other parts of the knee, a partial replacement can typically be revised to a total knee replacement. Your surgeon can explain what that would involve.
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What conditions does Partial Knee Replacement treat?
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.