Skip to content

In some cases, only part of the knee joint is damaged and therefore only part of the knee needs to be replaced (partial knee replacement). This may allow a smaller (minimally invasive) operation with a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay. In addition, the movement of the knee may be better preserved since more of the natural joint is retained. However, partial knee replacements may occasionally need to be converted to a total knee replacement at a later stage if problems occur in the retained knee joint. All of the advantages and disadvantages of partial knee replacement will be carefully considered and discussed with the patient. Not everyone is suitable for partial knee replacement and patients considering this surgery should consider it in the same way as a total knee replacement. An interactive online decision aid to guide patients considering knee replacement can be found here.

X-rays showing front (left image) and side (right image) views of a partial knee replacement.

X-rays showing front (left image) and side (right image) views of a partial knee replacement.