While the majority of patients suffering from severe arthritis of the knee require a total knee replacement, if the damage is confined to one particular area of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be suitable and is an excellent alternative to a full replacement. This procedure is less invasive as it requires a smaller incision and offers a faster recovery time, and generally improved range of knee motion. This procedure is not suitable for everyone, with variables including weight, age, level of activity and the extent of damage to the knee.

Only a small percentage of people with knee problems qualify for this surgery, which involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee cartilage with a prosthesis. The knee essentially has three separate ‘compartments’ — the inside of the knee (medial), the outside of the knee (lateral), and behind the kneecap (patellaofemoral) and a partial knee replacement replaces only the worn out compartment, leaving the other areas intact. Most commonly it involves placing an implant between the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia) or replacing the joint under the kneecap.  

The surgery involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee cartilage with a prosthesis. The knee essentially has three separate ‘compartments’ — the inside of the knee (medial), the outside of the knee (lateral), and behind the kneecap (patellaofemoral) and a partial knee replacement replaces only the worn out compartment, leaving the other areas intact. Most commonly it involves placing an implant between the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia) or replacing the joint under the kneecap. 

This surgery requires a short hospital stay but you can usually start to put weight on your leg immediately after surgery, depending on your specific circumstances. You may need physical therapy or be given a set of simple exercises to help restore your range of motion and strength. Most patients are back to their regular activities within six to eight weeks.