Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) resurfaces only the worn-out part of the knee — the inner (medial), outer (lateral), or kneecap (patellofemoral) compartment — leaving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments untouched. Recovery is faster than total knee replacement and the knee tends to feel more natural afterward. It works for roughly 25-30% of patients with knee arthritis.
Find a Surgeon
Who Needs Partial Knee Replacement?
The procedure works best when arthritis is limited to one compartment, the ACL is intact, alignment is normal, and body weight is not extreme. Most patients who qualify notice more natural knee motion and get back to activity faster than they would after a total replacement.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Walking with a walker within hours. Less post-operative pain than total knee replacement.
Home exercises. Many patients walk with a cane by the end of week two.
Outpatient physical therapy. Stationary cycling often introduced by week four.
Return to driving and most daily activities. Walking without assistance for many patients.
Return to low-impact recreational activities: golf, hiking, cycling, swimming.
Risks & Complications
- Higher revision rate than total knee replacement (conversion to total knee possible)
- Implant loosening
- Progression of arthritis to other compartments
- Infection (less than 1%)
- Blood clots (rare)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?
Partial replacement only resurfaces the damaged compartment and keeps the healthy tissue, including the ACL. Recovery tends to be measured in weeks rather than months, and the knee often feels more natural. The catch: it only works when arthritis is confined to one area.
How long does a partial knee replacement last?
90-95% of partial knee implants are still functioning at 10 years. If arthritis spreads to other compartments down the road, conversion to a total knee replacement is possible, but far from inevitable.
Can I run after partial knee replacement?
High-impact running is generally discouraged because it accelerates implant wear. That said, many surgeons are fine with jogging on soft surfaces after full recovery. Cycling, swimming, golf, and hiking are all reasonable.
Find a surgeon for Partial Knee Replacement
Compare orthopaedic surgeons who perform this procedure.
Search surgeonsEstimated Cost
$20,000 - $45,000 (before insurance). Covered by Medicare and most private plans when medically indicated.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Knee Specialists →Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.