Partial Knee Replacement

Uni-compartmental knee replacement is a type of resurfing option for the arthritic knee where only one of the articular compartments is affected by arthritis. Typically, this is the medial compartment of the knee.

A medial unicompartmental knee “replaces” the diseased inside compartment of the knee whilst preserving the healthy articular surfaces of the lateral and patellofemoral comparments. It is a smaller operation than a total knee replacement and generally the knee kinematics (the way it moves) are preserved. Recovery is quicker than with a total knee replacement.

This operation is an excellent option for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee for an older, less functionally active patient – whereas we might otherwise consider a high tibial osteotomy for a younger higher demand patient.

Patient selection is very important in determining the long term success of the operation. Historically , a percentage of medial uni knees have had to be revised to a total knee replacement for this reason – which is why it`s important to make sure it`s “just right” for the patient.

Newer computer navigation systems have made this operation much more predictable also.