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Unicompartmental knee replacement is surgery to replace the damaged surfaces in one part of the knee. It is also called partial knee replacement. The surgeon places metal and plastic components in the affected compartment while preserving healthier parts of the joint. It is an option for selected people whose arthritis is confined to one area.
read more about unicompartmental knee replacement ...The procedure may be considered when arthritis in one knee compartment causes persistent pain despite nonsurgical treatment. The surgeon checks the other compartments, knee motion, and ligament stability. Arthritis throughout the knee or substantial ligament damage can make a partial replacement unsuitable. Imaging helps confirm where the damage is located.
The surgeon makes an incision and examines the joint. Damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone are removed from the affected compartment. Metal components cover the prepared bone surfaces, with a plastic insert between them. The unaffected compartments remain in place.
Walking usually begins soon after surgery with guidance from the care team. A walking aid may be needed during early recovery. Exercises and physical therapy help restore movement and strength. Follow-up checks the incision, knee function, and implant position.
Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, and persistent pain. Implant components can loosen or wear over time. Arthritis may later develop in parts of the knee that were left untouched. Another operation, including total knee replacement, may then be needed.
Yes. Both names describe replacement of one damaged knee compartment.
No. The surgeon replaces the affected compartment and preserves the healthier parts of the knee.
Usually not. The operation is intended for selected patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment.
Yes. A total knee replacement may be needed if arthritis spreads or the partial implant develops a problem.
Successful same-day discharge in 88% of patients after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35951077/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Unicompartmental (Partial) Knee Replacement. OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/unicompartmental-knee-replacement/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. UW Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/knee/unicompartmental-knee-arthroplasty.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Unicompartmental knee replacement. Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/unicompartmental-knee-replacement. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Unicompartmental Knee replacement (UKR). Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/leaflets/unicompartmental-knee-replacement-ukr/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.