Partial knee replacement

Need to know

• What happens during a partial knee replacement? icon plus

  During the procedure, the surgeon resurfaces worn bone and cartilage with metal and plastic implants.

  The surgery is usually performed using small incisions, meaning the patient can heal more quickly than with a total knee replacement.

  Surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, but it can also be performed with a local anaesthetic, such as an epidural. Your consultant will recommend the best approach for you. The operation usually lasts between one and two hours and you may need to spend up to three nights in hospital.

• How painful is a partial knee replacement? icon plus

  During the surgery itself, you won't experience any pain, as you’ll be under anaesthetic (either general or local as advised by your consultant).

  You’ll be able to walk soon after the procedure, though it’s likely you’ll experience some short-term pain whilst doing so. Your knee might feel a bit stiff, and you may have trouble bending it. Your doctor may prescribe medication to control the pain – usually local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication.

• Is a partial knee replacement worth it? icon plus

  Whether or not you should have a partial knee replacement depends on the condition of your knee and other criteria, including age and weight.

  If your arthritis only affects one compartment of the knee joint, then partial knee replacement could be beneficial. The advantages are that it preserves the healthy bone and ligaments and, as previously mentioned, involves less surgery, less trauma and usually results in a quicker recovery.

  Not everyone with chronic knee pain can benefit however. A partial knee replacement isn’t usually suitable for patients with rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis, as the condition tends to affect the entire joint. Similarly, patients who have had a previous ligament injury may not be suitable for this surgery.

  Your specialist will discuss all your options with you as part of your personalised care plan.

• How long does a partial knee operation take? icon plus

  Partial knee replacement surgery can take between one and two hours.

  The length of the procedure depends on how much of the joint the surgeon has to replace.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Before you have the operation, your consultant will explain the procedure to you, and take you through any possible risks and side effects. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the surgery at this point.

  If you’re having a general anaesthetic, your consultant will also let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your operation.

• Partial knee replacement recovery icon plus

  Partial knee replacements are less invasive than a total knee replacement, and you can expect to go home within three days.

  A member of our physiotherapy team will visit you after surgery and help you to get moving with the help of crutches or a walker. They’ll also be able to give you advice on appropriate exercises for you to do at home to support your recovery, and how much weight you’ll be able to bear in the early stages. Most patients are able to walk without the aid of crutches or a walker after one to two weeks.

  Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. Typically this is likely to be six weeks after surgery.