Partial Knee Replacement
𦵠Partial Knee Replacement (PKR / UKR)
š¹ 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)
š If arthritis or damage is limited to just one compartment, PKR is recommended.
š¹ 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.
š¹ Advantages (vs Total Knee Replacement)
ā
Smaller incision (minimally invasive).
ā
Less pain & blood loss.
ā
Faster recovery (walking often the same day).
ā
More natural knee movement (healthy ligaments are preserved).
ā
Easier revision to total knee replacement in the future if needed.
š¹ Disadvantages / Risks
ā ļø Not suitable if arthritis spreads later ā may need revision surgery.
ā ļø Implant may not last as long as a total knee replacement in some patients.
ā ļø Same risks as any knee surgery ā infection, clots, stiffness.
š¹ Recovery Timeline
. Hospital stay: 1ā2 days (sometimes same-day discharge).
. Walking with support: within 24 hours.
. Normal activities: 3ā4 weeks.
. Full recovery: 6ā8 weeks (faster than total knee replacement).
š¹ Implant Longevity
. Typically lasts 10ā15 years (sometimes longer with modern implants).
. Can be revised to a Total Knee Replacement if arthritis progresses.