Partial Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement
In situations where the ailment is restricted to only one side of the knee, the inner side in most cases, the option of having a partial, also referred to as unicompartmental, knee replacement is considered.
The knee is divided into three compartments: the inner (medial), the outer (lateral), and the kneecap (patellofemoral). If arthritis affects only one side of your knee, it may be possible to have a half-knee replacement (unicompartmental) or a partial replacement.
Since this involves less interference with the knee than a total knee replacement, it is usually a better option due to a much faster recovery and better functionality.
Partial knee replacements can be carried out through a smaller cut (incision) than a total knee replacement, using techniques called reduced-invasive or minimally invasive surgery. A smaller incision may further reduce the recovery time.
