If the osteoarthritis in your knee is limited to a single area, you may only need a partial knee replacement.
Your knee is divided into three compartments: the medial compartment (the inside part of the knee), the lateral compartment (the outside part), and the patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone).
With a partial knee replacement, only the damaged compartment is replaced with metal and plastic. The healthy cartilage and bone in the rest of the knee is left untouched.
- Quicker recovery
- Less pain after surgery
- Less blood loss
- May allow the knee to bend better
Because the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are kept, most patients also report that a partial knee replacement feels more "natural" than a total knee replacement.
