Home » Knee Surgeries » Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Indore
A partial knee replacement, often referred to as a unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgical technique that preserves the healthy knee components while replacing only the injured portion. Partial Knee Replacement is a less intrusive operation that results in better function and a speedier recovery than Total Knee Arthroplasty, which replaces the complete knee joint.
When only one area of the knee is injured or impacted by arthritis, this operation is advised. If non-surgical measures are ineffective for individuals with localized knee discomfort, an orthopedic surgeon in Indore may recommend this operation.
A joint replacement doctor in Indore may prescribe partial knee replacement for several reasons:
Patients should see an ortho doctor in Indore if they suffer from any of the following symptoms:
Medication, injections, or physical therapy did not provide any relief.
Because of the following advantages, many patients choose partial knee replacement over total knee arthroplasty:
An orthopedic doctor in Indore could recommend the following therapies before surgery:
Surgery can be the best option if none of these therapies work.
For partial knee replacement, a knee replacement surgeon in Indore takes the following actions:
Care after surgery is essential to a full recovery. Treatment consists of:
Patients who get partial knee replacement surgery in Indore frequently report the following:
Leading orthopedic doctor in Indore with expertise in knee surgery are part of our medical team. Motives for selecting us:
Myth: Knee replacements are only necessary for elderly individuals.
Reality: Younger people can also experience knee problems, particularly following an injury.
Myth: The effects fade quickly.
Reality: Knee implants can last for ten to fifteen years or longer if properly maintained.
Myth: It takes a long time to recover.
Reality: The truth is that partial knee surgery requires less time to recuperate than total knee replacement.
Myth: Following surgery, you cannot exercise.
Reality: Low-impact exercises like swimming and walking are recommended for patients to maintain their level of activity.
For individuals with localized knee discomfort, partial knee replacement is a great alternative. See an orthopedic doctor in Indore to learn more about your choices for therapy if your knee pain is chronic. You may live a pain-free life and restore your mobility thanks to contemporary medical developments. The best outcomes are achieved with early intervention and skilled treatment, guaranteeing long-term knee health and enhanced quality of life.
Arthritis in one area of the knee? A bone-preserving option evaluated by Dr. Murtuza Rassiwala
Knee arthritis does not always wear the entire joint evenly. In a lot of people, especially the slightly bow-legged ones, the damage is focused on the inner side of the knee with the outer side and the kneecap joint still being in reasonable condition. In carefully selected patients with this pattern, a partial knee replacement resurfaces only the worn compartment and leaves the healthy parts of the knee, including the cruciate ligaments, intact.
Dr. Murtuza Rassiwala evaluates each arthritic knee to determine whether a partial replacement is appropriate, a total knee replacement might be more reliable, or if non-surgical care should be continued.
Short answer: A partial knee replacement is also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). It replaces only the damaged part of the knee, usually the inner (medial) part, with metal and plastic parts. It is suitable for patients with arthritis limited to one compartment, healthy ligaments and not severely deformed or stiffened knee.
Aspect | Typical information |
Also called | Unicompartmental knee replacement, UKR, half knee replacement |
Compartment replaced | Usually medial (inner); lateral (outer) or patellofemoral less commonly |
Ligaments | Cruciate and collateral ligaments preserved |
Incision | Usually smaller than for total knee replacement |
Hospital stay | Often 2–3 days [VERIFY BEFORE PUBLICATION] |
Walking with support | Usually from the day after surgery |
Recovery | Many patients regain daily function faster than after total replacement |
Surgeons divide the knee into three compartments: the medial compartment on the inside between the thigh and shin bones, the lateral compartment on the outside, and the patellofemoral compartment between the kneecap and the thigh bone. Osteoarthritis often begins in the medial compartment. If you replace the whole knee when only this part is worn out and the rest of the joint is still working fine, you are taking out more healthy tissue than you need to.
Suitability is assessed after review of examination and imaging. Generally positive features include:
No inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis which affects the whole joint.
Special X-rays like stress views and sometimes an MRI can be used to examine other compartments.
When Total Replacement May Be Better
Picking the right operation is more important than picking the smaller operation. Partial replacement of an inappropriate knee is more likely to need further surgery
Usually pain on the inside of the knee, sometimes described as pain with one finger along the joint line.
Feature | Partial knee replacement | Total knee replacement |
Area resurfaced | One compartment | Entire joint surface |
Bone and ligaments preserved | More; cruciate ligaments retained | Less; ACL (and sometimes PCL) removed |
Incision | Typically smaller | Typically longer |
Early recovery | Often quicker | Usually longer |
Knee feel | Many patients report a more natural-feeling knee | Very reliable pain relief for whole-knee arthritis |
Suitability | Strictly selected patients | Broad range of arthritic knees |
Future surgery | Arthritis may progress in other compartments; conversion to total replacement possible | Revision possible if implants wear or loosen |
National joint registries have reported higher revision rates over time for partial knee replacements compared with total knee replacements, but outcomes are strongly dependent on patient selection and surgical experience. This trade-off is openly discussed in consultation.
Non-surgical management is explored before any recommendation for replacement is made. This includes strengthening exercises, weight loss, walking aids, changing activities such as squatting and stair use, pain medication and, where appropriate, injections. In younger patients with medial arthritis and bow-legged alignment, a high tibial osteotomy is also an alternative to discuss.
Preparing well will aid in recovery. Before surgery, blood tests, ECG and a review by a physician will be carried out and conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure and anemia will be optimized. You may need to adjust the dose of blood thinners and some other medicines on medical advice. Treat any skin, dental or urinary infection before you have the test to reduce the risk of infection.
At home, prepare a chair with arms, a western style toilet or high commode and clear paths around the house with no loose rugs. Have a family member assist you for the first two weeks. If you practice your quadriceps and ankle exercises and learn how to use a walker before your surgery, the first few days after surgery will be much easier.
Partial replacement is a step-by-step decision. X-rays taken while you stand up show where the joint space is narrowed. Stress X-rays, taken with the knee pushed gently in different directions, can show if the worn compartment is truly bone-on-bone and if the opposite compartment has normal cartilage thickness. The kneecap joint is examined clinically and radiographically. The integrity of the ACL is evaluated by examination and, if indicated, MRI. Finally, intraoperative inspection confirms the planned procedure. This careful stepwise approach reduces the chance of choosing partial replacement for a knee that really needs total replacement.
Period | What to expect |
Day 0–1 | Standing and walking with a walker; ankle and quadriceps exercises |
Days 2–3 | Discharge when walking safely and pain is controlled |
Weeks 2–4 | Walking with a stick or independently for many; stitches removed around two weeks |
Weeks 4–6 | Return to many daily activities; driving when safe |
Months 3–6 | Continued improvement in strength, stamina and comfort |
The swelling and warmth may be weeks in receding. Physiotherapy aims to straighten, bend, strengthen the quadriceps and achieve a normal walking pattern.
Most patients can return to light household activities in two to four weeks and office work in three to six weeks. Usually, you can start driving again when you’re no longer on strong painkillers and can safely operate the pedals. The first months of climbing stairs get easier. For long journeys take regular breaks to walk and to move the ankles to reduce the risk of blood clots. Your physiotherapist will progress the exercises from simple straightening and bending to strengthening, balance and endurance work.
Keep a healthy body weight. Exercise regularly with low-impact activities and build up the strength of the thigh muscles. Treat any infections promptly, no matter where they are in your body. Make sure you tell your doctors and dentists you have had a joint replacement. Regular follow-up reviews to pick up early wear or progression of arthritis in the other compartments.
Once recovery is complete, walking, cycling, swimming and gentle sports such as golf are usually encouraged. High-impact activities such as running and jumping place heavy loads on the implant and are generally discouraged. Some patients may be able to sit on the floor or deep squat, but this should be discussed with your surgeon.
The cost depends on the type of implant, the hospital and category of room, length of stay, pre-operative investigations and physiotherapy. Partial knee replacement is generally covered by health insurance according to the terms of the policy. Written estimate with evaluation is provided.
MBBS (Baroda University, 2013), DNB Orthopedics (NBE, 2018), MNAMS, F.I.A.S.M. and F.I.A.J.R. Dr. Rassiwala has training in both arthroscopy and joint replacement and looks at every knee for all options including conservative care, partial replacement, osteotomy or total replacement. This recommendation is based on your X-ray, examination and lifestyle goals, not on one preferred operation.
Many patients report that the knee feels more like a natural knee than after total replacement, because the cruciate ligaments and healthy compartments are preserved, although this varies.
Find out whether your arthritis pattern is suitable for partial knee replacement. Bring your standing X-rays and reports. Call +91-7224888071, 0731-4981538 or 0731-3695285, or book online to see Dr. Murtuza Rassiwala at Hakimi Ortho Care, Indore.
There is no strict age limit. Suitability depends on the arthritis pattern, ligaments and activity level.
Yes. If arthritis progresses in other compartments or the implant wears, conversion to total knee replacement is possible.
Many patients return to daily activities sooner, though individual recovery varies.
Neither is better for everyone. Partial replacement suits knees with arthritis in one compartment and healthy ligaments; total replacement is more suitable when arthritis is widespread.
Yes, if both knees meet the criteria, either at the same time or in stages depending on health.
Many partial knee replacements function well for many years, but registries report a higher revision rate over time than for total replacements. Your surgeon will discuss this in the context of your age and activity.
Each knee is assessed separately. One knee may be suitable for a partial replacement while the other needs a total replacement or continued non-surgical care. Where both knees need surgery, they can be treated together or in stages depending on your general health.
Most patients practise a few steps with support before discharge, and stairs usually become easier within a few weeks as strength and confidence improve.
Most patients use a walker for the first one to two weeks, then move to a stick before walking independently as strength returns.
An orthopedic surgeon in Indore can evaluate your issue if your knee