Partial knee replacement
When advanced osteoarthritis is confined to one part of the knee, often the inner side, a partial or unicompartmental replacement may be appropriate.
Only the surfaces of the damaged compartment are resurfaced, preserving more bone and the healthy structures of the knee.
To decide whether it is a suitable option, we assess where your pain comes from, how mobile and stable your knee is and the pattern of wear on standing X-rays.
Ligament function and whether the leg alignment can be corrected also matter.
In suitable patients, preserving healthy structures may allow a faster early recovery and more natural movement.
Preserving cartilage, bone and ligaments in the healthy parts of the knee helps retain its natural mechanics.
For many people, this makes everyday movements such as standing up from a chair or walking feel more familiar.