Partial Knee Replacement

🦵 Partial Knee Replacement (PKR / UKR)
🔹 What It Is
Instead of replacing the entire knee joint (like in total knee replacement), a partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged part (compartment) of the knee.
. The knee has 3 compartments:
1.Medial (inner side)
2.Lateral (outer side)
3.Patellofemoral (kneecap area)
👉 If arthritis or damage is limited to just one compartment, PKR is recommended.

🔹 Who Is Eligible? (Indications)
. Osteoarthritis limited to one compartment.
. Good knee range of motion.
. Strong, healthy ligaments (esp. ACL & MCL intact).
. Pain mainly on one side of the knee.
. Usually younger or moderately active patients, but elderly patients with localized arthritis can also benefit.
Not suitable for:
. Patients with severe arthritis in multiple compartments.
. Rheumatoid arthritis.
. Severe deformities or ligament damage.

🔹 Advantages (vs Total Knee Replacement)
✅ Smaller incision (minimally invasive).
✅ Less pain & blood loss.
✅ Faster recovery (walking often the same day).
✅ More natural knee movement (healthy ligaments are preserved).
✅ Easier revision to total knee replacement in the future if needed.

🔹 Disadvantages / Risks
⚠️ Not suitable if arthritis spreads later → may need revision surgery.
⚠️ Implant may not last as long as a total knee replacement in some patients.
⚠️ Same risks as any knee surgery → infection, clots, stiffness.

🔹 Recovery Timeline
. Hospital stay: 1–2 days (sometimes same-day discharge).
. Walking with support: within 24 hours.
. Normal activities: 3–4 weeks.
. Full recovery: 6–8 weeks (faster than total knee replacement).

🔹 Implant Longevity
. Typically lasts 10–15 years (sometimes longer with modern implants).
. Can be revised to a Total Knee Replacement if arthritis progresses.