Partial Knee Replacement
𦡠Partial Knee Replacement (PKR / UKR)
πΉ 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)
π If arthritis or damage is limited to just one compartment, PKR is recommended.
πΉ 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.
πΉ Advantages (vs Total Knee Replacement)
β
Smaller incision (minimally invasive).
β
Less pain & blood loss.
β
Faster recovery (walking often the same day).
β
More natural knee movement (healthy ligaments are preserved).
β
Easier revision to total knee replacement in the future if needed.
πΉ Disadvantages / Risks
β οΈ Not suitable if arthritis spreads later β may need revision surgery.
β οΈ Implant may not last as long as a total knee replacement in some patients.
β οΈ Same risks as any knee surgery β infection, clots, stiffness.
πΉ Recovery Timeline
. Hospital stay: 1β2 days (sometimes same-day discharge).
. Walking with support: within 24 hours.
. Normal activities: 3β4 weeks.
. Full recovery: 6β8 weeks (faster than total knee replacement).
πΉ Implant Longevity
. Typically lasts 10β15 years (sometimes longer with modern implants).
. Can be revised to a Total Knee Replacement if arthritis progresses.