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Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental) in India

Minimally invasive replacement of damaged portion of knee joint

Overview

Partial Knee Replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee joint while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. This procedure is ideal for patients with arthritis limited to one area of the knee, offering a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement with faster recovery and more natural knee function. At Arthroscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 400 successful partial knee replacements using advanced minimally invasive techniques and modern implant designs. Our facility in Bihar offers the latest robotic-assisted partial knee replacement technology, ensuring precise implant positioning and optimal outcomes for carefully selected patients. The knee joint has three compartments: medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (kneecap). Partial knee replacement addresses damage in just one compartment, typically the medial compartment which wears out most commonly due to natural alignment and loading patterns. The procedure uses smaller incisions (3-4 inches vs 8-10 inches for total knee), preserves the ACL and PCL ligaments, and maintains normal knee kinematics, resulting in a more natural-feeling knee. Success rates for partial knee replacement exceed 90% with modern techniques and proper patient selection. Most patients experience excellent pain relief, faster recovery than total knee replacement (walking without aids in 2-3 weeks vs 6-8 weeks), and return to higher activity levels including sports. The implants typically last 15-20 years, and if needed in the future, conversion to total knee replacement remains an option.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Knee pain isolated to one side (inner or outer)

Pain worsening with activity and relieved by rest

Stiffness after prolonged sitting

Difficulty with stairs, especially going down

Knee giving way or instability

Good range of motion preserved (can fully straighten knee)

X-rays showing arthritis in only one compartment

Intact ACL and PCL ligaments

No inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)

Age typically over 50 with isolated compartment damage

Procedure Details

Duration

1-1.5 hours

Anesthesia

Spinal or General Anesthesia

Preparation for Surgery

Comprehensive knee examination, X-rays, and possibly MRI to confirm single-compartment arthritis. Pre-operative physiotherapy to optimize muscle strength and range of motion.

Surgical Steps

1

Spinal or general anesthesia is administered

2

A 3-4 inch incision is made over the knee (much smaller than total knee)

3

The damaged cartilage and bone from affected compartment are carefully removed

4

The healthy ACL and PCL ligaments are preserved

5

Precise bone cuts are made using alignment guides or robotic assistance

6

Trial components are tested for fit and alignment

7

Final metal and plastic components are secured (cemented or press-fit)

8

Knee is tested for stability, alignment, and range of motion

9

Incision is closed with minimal tissue disruption

10

Smaller bandage applied compared to total knee replacement

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1-3

Immediate Post-Op

Walking with walker same day or next day. Less pain than total knee. Rapid mobilization encouraged. Discharge typically day 1-2.

Week 1-2

Early Recovery

Progress to walking stick. Gentle exercises. Most patients manage stairs by week 2. Reduced pain medication needs.

Week 3-4

Rapid Progress

Walking without aids for most patients. Return to light daily activities. Driving if comfortable. Outpatient physiotherapy.

Week 4-8

Functional Recovery

Progressive strengthening. Return to work for desk jobs. Increased activity tolerance. Near-normal daily function.

Month 3-6

Full Recovery

Return to recreational activities including golf, tennis, hiking. Excellent range of motion. Natural knee feel restored.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Take advantage of faster recovery - be active as tolerated

Follow physiotherapy exercises consistently

Ice knee regularly to reduce swelling

The knee will feel more natural than total knee replacement

Attend follow-up appointments for alignment checks

Gradual return to activities - don't rush high-impact sports

Maintain healthy weight to protect the implant

Report any unusual pain or clicking sensations

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?

Partial knee replaces only the damaged compartment, uses smaller incision (3-4 inches vs 8-10 inches), preserves ligaments and healthy bone, has faster recovery (2-3 weeks vs 6-8 weeks to walk independently), and feels more natural. However, it's only suitable for single-compartment arthritis.

Q2.Am I a candidate for partial knee replacement?

Good candidates have arthritis limited to one compartment (usually medial), intact ACL/PCL ligaments, good range of motion, no inflammatory arthritis, and are typically over 50. Dr. Gurudeo Kumar will assess your X-rays and examine your knee to determine suitability.

Q3.How long do partial knee replacements last?

Modern partial knee implants last 15-20 years or longer with proper care. If the implant eventually wears out or arthritis develops in other compartments, conversion to total knee replacement is straightforward.

Q4.Can I return to sports after partial knee replacement?

Yes! Partial knee replacement allows return to recreational sports including golf, tennis, hiking, and cycling. The more natural knee kinematics enable higher activity levels than total knee replacement.

Q5.What is the success rate of partial knee replacement at Arthoscenter?

We have over 90% success rate with modern techniques and robotic assistance. Patient satisfaction is typically higher than total knee replacement due to more natural knee feel and faster recovery.

Considering This Surgery?

Book an online video consultation with Dr. Gurudeo Kumar for just ₹999 and get all your questions answered