Partial Knee Replacement

Overview

Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, is an option for patients whose arthritis is limited primarily to one area of the knee. Unlike a total knee replacement, which replaces all three compartments, partial replacement preserves the healthy portions of the knee, including much of the patient's natural bone, cartilage, and ligaments.

There are three main types of partial knee replacement:

• Medial unicompartmental replacement — treats arthritis on the inner side of the knee and is the most common type.
• Lateral unicompartmental replacement — treats arthritis isolated to the outer side of the knee.
• Patellofemoral replacement — treats arthritis primarily between the kneecap and the femur.

Robotic Assistance

Robotic-assisted technology, such as the MAKO system, can be used to help plan and perform partial knee replacement. A CT-based 3D model allows the surgeon to create a patient-specific surgical plan and precisely position the implant. During surgery, the robotic system helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries and fine-tune bone preparation and implant positioning. The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.

Is It Right for You?

For appropriately selected patients, partial knee replacement can offer several potential advantages over total knee replacement. Because more of the natural knee is preserved, patients may experience more natural knee motion, faster early recovery, less bone removal, and a quicker return to activities. Partial replacement may also provide a more normal-feeling knee for some patients.

However, partial replacement is not appropriate for everyone. The arthritis must be appropriately localized, and the remaining compartments, ligaments, and overall knee function must be suitable. Careful evaluation is essential to determine whether partial or total knee replacement is the better option.