Dr. Abhinav Kesarkar | Orthopedic Surgeon In Nagpur

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Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement, also known as Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKA), is a relatively new procedure for individuals who have arthritis in only one compartment of their knee. Technology has made it possible to replace only the affected section of the knee rather than the entire knee.
This surgery involves removing less soft tissue and bone, maintaining the knee ligaments and allowing for a quicker recovery and return to normal activities, giving the patient a more “natural” sensation to their operated knee.
It is a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement, offering quicker recovery times and improved post-operative mobility.In partial knee replacement, only the affected compartment is replaced, preserving healthy bone and ligaments in the remaining compartments.

Procedure Overview

  1. Anesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia.

  2. Incision: A small incision is made over the affected compartment of the knee.

  3. Bone Preparation: The damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the affected area.

  4. Implant Placement: Metal and plastic implants are fixed to the bone surfaces.

  5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and the knee is bandaged.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, a thorough evaluation is conducted, including:

  • Medical history review

  • Physical examination

  • X-rays and MRI scans to determine the extent of cartilage damage

  • Blood tests and other health assessments

Indications for Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement is suitable for patients who:

  • Have localized osteoarthritis in one compartment of the knee

  • Experience persistent knee pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments

  • Have good range of motion and intact ligaments

  • Are not significantly overweight

  • Have no inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint consists of three compartments:

  • Medial (inside part of the knee)

  • Lateral (outside part of the knee)

  • Patellofemoral (front of the knee, between the kneecap and thighbone)

In partial knee replacement, only the affected compartment is replaced, preserving healthy bone and ligaments in the remaining compartments.

Postoperative Care

  • Pain management with medications

  • Early mobilization with the help of physiotherapists

  • Use of crutches or walker for the initial few weeks

  • Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility

  • Regular follow-up visits to monitor recovery

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

  • Smaller incision and less scarring

  • Faster recovery time compared to total knee replacement

  • Preservation of healthy bone and ligaments

  • Better range of motion

  • Reduced risk of complications

Recovery Timeline

  • Hospital stay: 1-2 days

  • Walking with assistance: Within a few days

  • Return to light activities: 3-6 weeks

  • Full recovery: 3-6 months

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