In partial knee replacement surgery (also known as "unicompartmental knee arthropasty"), degenerated cartilage and bone tissue around the knee are removed, and healthy knee structures are left intact. Plastic and metal prosthetic components are implanted in place of removed cartilage and bone, and then are cemented into place.
Compared with total knee replacement, partial knee replacement surgery requires a smaller surgical incision — approximately three inches long, compared with 12 to 14 inches for a total-knee procedure. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement surgery therefore typically experience less post-surgery pain and shorter recovery times.
The orthopedics departments of John C. Lincoln Hospitals invite you to watch the following informative overview of partial knee replacement surgery.