Partial Knee Replacement

What to expect

• 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.

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Common 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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