A surgical procedure in which the cartilage damage in a single compartment of the knee joint is replaced with metal and plastic components. The intact ligaments and other compartments of the joint are preserved.
Indication
- Advanced osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) limited to one compartment of the knee
- Pain and limited movement in a single compartment despite intact anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
- Localized pain that does not respond to conservative treatment (medication, physical therapy, intra-articular injection)
- Avascular necrosis (loss of bone blood supply) confined to a single condyle
- A joint-preserving surgical option in young, active patients before total knee replacement
Preparation
- No food or drink for 8 hours before the procedure (anesthesia requirement)
- Blood thinners are stopped for a defined period with the doctor's approval
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray when needed
- Approval from the relevant specialty for any chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension)
- Smoking cessation is recommended for at least 2 weeks before surgery
How it's performed
- The patient's vital signs (blood pressure, heart rhythm, oxygen level) are continuously monitored
- Regional (spinal/epidural) or general anesthesia is administered by the anesthesiologist
- The skin is sterilized and the surgical field is covered with sterile drapes
- A small incision on the front of the knee allows access only to the damaged compartment
- Damaged cartilage and bone surfaces are precisely prepared and the metal and plastic components are placed
- Joint stability is checked and the incision is closed in layers
Post-procedure
- Hospital stay is generally 1-3 days
- Standing and assisted walking with a physiotherapist begin within the first day
- Walking with an aid (cane, crutches) for the first 2-4 weeks
- Largely return to daily activities at 6-8 weeks; full recovery by 3 months
- Regular physical therapy and follow-up visits (1, 3, 6 and 12 months)
Risks
- Infection (possible in any surgical procedure, 1-2%)
- Bleeding, hematoma or wound healing problems
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg veins)
- Loosening of the prosthesis or wear over time — uncommon, may require revision in the long term
- Anesthesia reactions, nerve or vascular injury (rare)
FAQ
How does partial knee replacement differ from total knee replacement?
In partial replacement only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced and the intact cartilage and ligaments are preserved. In total replacement all joint surfaces are renewed. Partial replacement is performed through a smaller incision and recovery is generally faster.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most patients largely return to daily life within 4-6 weeks; return to office work is possible in 3-6 weeks and to physically demanding work in 8-12 weeks. Walking and cycling are resumed gradually.
How long does the prosthesis last?
When indicated correctly, a substantial proportion of partial knee prostheses can function for 15-20 years or more. Lifespan is influenced by age, activity level, weight and patient compliance.
Related Information
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Knee Arthroscopy
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Knee arthroscopy — evaluation and repair of the knee joint through small incisions using a camera.
Total Knee Replacement
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Total knee replacement — resurfacing of the joint surfaces with prosthetic components in advanced knee osteoarthritis.
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Meniscus surgery — arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy for meniscal tears of the knee.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction — arthroscopic reconstruction of the torn ACL using a graft.
Exercise Bike Therapy
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Exercise bike therapy — knee range of motion and lower-extremity conditioning.
Knee MRI
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Knee MRI — detailed assessment of menisci, cruciate ligaments, cartilage, and joint structures.
PRP Injection
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PRP injection — application of platelet-rich plasma in selected tendon and joint conditions.
Intra-articular injection
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Intra-articular injection — pain management for osteoarthritis using hyaluronic acid and other medications.