KNEE SURGERY

Partial knee replacement

When osteoarthritis or joint wear is limited to one part of the knee, a partial prosthesis (or unicompartmental prosthesis) is the ideal solution. 
It allows the diseased area to be treated while preserving the healthy parts of the knee, for a more natural result and rapid recovery.
Partial prosthesis most often involves the medial femorotibial compartment. More rarely, it involves the lateral femorotibial compartment and finally the patellofemoral compartment.


knee picto

What is a partial knee replacement?

Unlike total prosthesis, which replaces the three worn parts of the joint, the partial knee prosthesis only concerns one compartment:

  • The compartment internal (most often reached)
  • The compartment external
  • The compartment patellofemoral (between the femur and the patella)

It is designed for patients with localised wear.

The diagnosis is always made on X-rays. Sometimes, the practitioner may use a CT scan or MRI.

The operation is slightly shorter and recovery is quicker.

partial knee prosthesis

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Who is partial knee replacement suitable for?

A unicompartmental prosthesis may be considered for patients with :

  • A osteoarthritis limited to a single compartment
  • Having a preserved knee mobility (no stiffness)
  • A intact ligament stability
  • From healthy and functional cruciate ligaments
  • A deformation reasonable
  • In the absence of overweight
partial knee prosthesis sailhan copy

The symptoms are the same as for more advanced osteoarthritis: 

  • pain, initially mechanical, when walking, climbing stairs or doing physical activities, then sometimes also present at night with an inflammatory component.
  • a swollen knee: this is a joint effusion, the result of inflammation.
  • sometimes creaks

On the other hand, in uni-compartmental involvement, joint mobility is often preserved: there is no stiffening of the joint.

Knee deformity, on the other hand, may be present: most often it is a varus deformity (bowed leg).

The operation is indicated if the patient is not

Advantages of partial prosthesis over total prosthesis

Partial prostheses offer a number of advantages over total prostheses:

  • Less invasive surgery: the joint is less exposed and the cruciate ligaments are preserved. 
  • The operating time is shorter.
  • More natural mobility more patients will feel like they have a "normal" knee
  • Faster recovery: experience shows that patients experience less pain and are rehabilitated more quickly.
  • Shorter hospital stay

On the other hand, you need to keep an eye on the other areas of the knee that have not been replaced, as they may eventually wear out as well.

partial unicompartmental prosthesis

Recovery and results after partial knee replacement

Recovery will be faster than after a total prosthesis.

  • Short hospital stay: 2 to 3 days on average. This operation can also be carried out on an outpatient basis.
  • Early support authorised: on the evening of the operation or the following morning at the latest.
  • Icing the knee is recommended regularly for the first three weeks.
  • Rehabilitation allowing recovery of joint amplitude and muscle strength. It is shorter than with a total prosthesis. It does, however, require the support of a kinesitherapist.
  • Resumption of daily activities: walking is permitted immediately and canes are generally abandoned after two or three weeks.
  • Back to sport adapted: physical and sporting activities are generally resumed gradually from the second or third month onwards.

Patients report a very good level of satisfaction with a functional and stable knee.

Where to have an operation in Paris?

Our teams work in a number of leading establishments in Paris:

For consultations:

  • Espace Médical Vauban
  • IMSS - Institut Médical Sport Santé
  • ARAGO Clinic

For interventions:

  • ARAGO Clinic

You will be cared for by recognised specialists: Dr Kerboull, Dr Sailhan and Dr Zilber, experts in hip surgery.

clinical entrance

Partial knee replacement is an ideal option for treating localised wear and tear while preserving as much of your natural anatomy as possible. It allows a rapid return to an active life with a more "natural" knee.

Do you have localised osteoarthritis of the knee? Contact our team for a personalised assessment, and together we'll look at the best solution for your comfort.

Contact us for a consultation

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does a partial knee replacement last?

It can last 15 years or moredepending on activity and joint maintenance.

Can a partial prosthesis be converted into a total prosthesis?

Yes, if the wear extends to other compartments, a revision can be used to fit a total prosthesis.

Are there any restrictions after the operation?

Most daily activities can be resumed quickly; high-impact sports (running, pivot sports) may be limited.