Partial Knee Replacement
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement, also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgery that replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint instead of the entire knee.
This procedure is usually used when arthritis or joint damage affects only one of them. During surgery, the worn cartilage and damaged bone in that one area are replaced with metal and plastic components, while the healthy parts of the knee are left in place.
Because more of your natural knee is preserved, partial knee replacement may allow the knee to feel more natural after surgery. It can also mean a smaller operation than a total knee replacement because the surgeon is treating only the part of the joint that is damaged.
What is the Benefit of Partial Knee Replacement?
For many people, the biggest benefit is simple: less pain in the part of the knee that has made everyday movement harder.
The goal is to help you return to daily activities with:
- Improved comfort
- Better function
- More confidence in each step
Who is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
It is usually best for people whose arthritis or damage is limited to one part of the knee.
A CHRISTUS Health orthopedic specialist will look closely at:
- Where your pain is located
- How much arthritis is present
- How stable your knee is
- Whether the rest of the joint is still healthy enough to preserve
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have pain mainly in one part of the knee
- Have arthritis that has not spread through the whole joint
- Still have healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments in the other parts of the knee
- Have tried other treatments without enough relief
Before recommending surgery, your orthopedic specialist will usually review your symptoms, medical history, X-rays and physical exam findings.
In some cases, they may also evaluate how well your knee moves, whether it is stable and whether your pain matches damage seen on imaging.
Learn more about our imaging services and how they support your diagnosis.
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement: What's the Difference?
If you're considering knee replacement surgery, understanding the difference between partial and total knee replacement can help you decide which option may be right for you.
| Feature | Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| What is replaced? | Only the damaged part of the knee joint (one compartment) | The entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis |
| Best for | Patients with arthritis in one area | Patients with widespread knee damage |
| Recovery time | Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay | Longer recovery and rehabilitation |
| Pain after surgery | Typically less pain | May involve more discomfort |
| Knee function | Feels more natural | Reliable pain relief |
| Future surgery | May need total knee replacement later | Less likely to need additional surgery |
What to Expect at Your Initial Evaluation
Your CHRISTUS Health orthopedic specialist will want to understand:
- Where your knee hurts
- How long it has been bothering you
- What treatments you have already tried
- What activities you want to get back to
Your evaluation may include:
- A physical exam
- X-rays and, when needed, additional imaging
- A review of prior treatments and current symptoms
- A discussion about whether preserving part of the knee is possible
If partial knee replacement is the right option, your surgeon will explain how the procedure works.
Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement
Recovery is not only about healing from surgery. It’s about helping you return to daily life with better movement and less pain.
Because partial knee replacement is less invasive than total knee replacement, many people experience a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and improved range of motion.
Want a more detailed look at each stage of healing? Read our knee replacement recovery timeline .
What to Expect During Recovery
Your recovery will happen in stages. Here’s what the rehabilitation process typically looks like:
- Early walking and gentle movement
- Exercises to improve range of motion
- Strengthening the muscles that support the knee
- Balance and mobility work
- A home recovery plan and follow-up visits
Physical therapy plays an important role in helping you rebuild strength and confidence. Some people move through recovery quickly, while others need more time. Your age, health, strength before surgery and daily activity level can all affect healing.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health for Partial Knee Replacement?
CHRISTUS Health offers orthopedic and joint replacement care that includes partial knee replacement, total knee replacement and robotic-assisted knee surgery options.
Our knee joint replacement program emphasizes personalized care, advanced techniques and support through recovery.
Choosing CHRISTUS means you can expect:
- Orthopedic specialists who evaluate your whole knee, not just one image or symptom
- A personalized care plan based on your pain, goals and daily life
- Access to advanced surgical approaches, including robotic-assisted options in some locations
- Recovery support, education and rehabilitation guidance after surgery
- A focus on helping you move with greater comfort and confidence
Most of all, your care is built around getting you a clear answer. CHRISTUS Health helps you take that next step with a plan centered on you.
