Operations and procedures

Unicondylar (partial) knee arthroplasty is an orthopedics surgical procedure in which only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This involves removing the damaged cartilage and underlying portion of bone, and replacing it with special metal and plastic components that allow smooth and pain-free movement of the knee joint. The service is intended for patients whose knee osteoarthritis or wear is limited to a single area of the joint, and who have intact ligaments and normal function in the remaining parts of the knee. This is a less invasive solution than total knee replacement.

Main causes

Unicondylar (partial) knee arthroplasty may be indicated if the patient has:

• Localised osteoarthritis of the knee joint, limited to one part of the joint (usually the inner side of the knee)
• Persistent knee pain that does not improve with conservative treatment (physiotherapy, medication, injections)
• Limited mobility and functional impairment that hinders daily activities
• Wear and tear of the knee joint or cartilage damage after previous trauma or overuse
• A need to preserve as much of the patient’s own joints and natural movement as possible

Recovery

Rehabilitation after surgery starts early. Putting weight on the leg and returning to daily activities is often possible within a relatively short period of time, depending on the patient’s individual recovery.