Understanding

Unicondylar Knee
Replacement
What is Unicondylar Knee Replacement?
Unicondylar Knee Replacement or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement or Partial knee
Replacement all refers to a surgical treatment option that replaces (or resurfaces) only the
damaged portion of the knee while conserving knee ligaments and unaffected cartilage. The
knee is divided into three major compartments: The medial compartment (the inside part of the
knee), the lateral compartment (the outside part), and the patella femoral compartment (the front
of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone). In a unicondylar 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 alone.

Who are the candidates for Unicondylar Knee Replacement?

Unicondylar knee replacement is appropriate for patients with arthritis that is confined to a
single compartment of the knee and is generally restricted to patients who are not morbidly
obese. The surgery is not appropriate for patients with marked stiffness in the knee or those with
a significant deformity. Intact ligaments are generally a requirement for a partial knee
replacement. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are not candidates for partial knee solutions
since inflammatory-type arthritis typically involves the entire joint.
Additional considerations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the surgeon and patient
determining together whether partial knee replacement is the best treatment option. Selecting
the right patient is considered one of the most important steps to ensuring a good functional
outcome and longevity for a partial knee replacement.

What happens during Unicondylar Knee Replacement?

During partial knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision to gain access
to the affected compartment of the knee. He gently moves supporting structures of the knee out
of the way and removes damaged cartilage and bone tissue from the surfaces of the tibia and
the femur of the affected area. The surgeon then prepares these surfaces for insertion of the
prosthesis components which are specifically sized to the patients joint. Cement is used to

secure these components. All surrounding structures and tissues are restored to their anatomic
position and the incision is closed.

How fast will be the recovery after the Unicondylar Knee Replacement
surgery?
Following surgery, most patients undergoing partial knee replacement can expect to spend one
to two nights in the hospital. Most patients are able to walk with assistance, or independently, on
the same day as their surgery. Typically, the patient is given a cane within a week of surgery to
allow for increased independence and begins outpatient rehabilitation. Patients are often
finished taking narcotic-type pain medication within four weeks post-surgery.
Partial knee replacement usually involves minimal blood loss and is associated with a low rate
of complications; most patients can expect to be back to their daily activities within three to six
weeks.

Are there any age restrictions for Unicondylar knee surgery?

There are no strict recommendations, but in general, partial knee replacements are appropriate
for patients over 40 years old who meet other eligibility criteria.

What is the Unicondylar knee prosthesis made of?

Knee prostheses or implants are made of metal and plastic. These surfaces are designed to
glide smoothly against one another just as cartilage does in a healthy knee.

Will I be able to resume my sports after my partial knee replacement?

Although not all patients are able to return to unrestricted sport, many patients are able to
resume biking, tennis and skiing.

What kind of complications can occur with partial knee surgery?

As with any joint replacement surgery, complications may include instability of the knee,
loosening of the implant, infection, nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis. Generally,
complications occur less frequently after partial knee replacement than they do following total
knee replacement. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have regarding these or other issues
with your surgeon.