Unicompartmental (partial) Knee Replacement

Implant designs for unicompartmental or partial knee replacement surgery have improved greatly since the early 1970s when the surgery was first introduced. As a result, partial knee replacement surgery is gaining in popularity. There are about 7,500 done each year in the United States.

This surgery has several advantages over total knee replacement. The incision is smaller and hospitalization is usually one night.

There are also some disadvantages. Long-term results may not be as good, and revision surgery may be more difficult in patients who need total knee replacement in the future.

The ideal patient for partial knee replacement surgery is someone who has arthritis in only one section (compartment) of the knee, is younger than 60 or older than 75 but sedentary, and is not obese.

There are many factors to consider when determining which is the best surgical choice. Your Denver-Vail Orthopedic surgeon will discuss options and help you make a decision that's best for you and your lifestyle.