Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, is an operation in which only the worn part (compartment) of the knee is replaced with an implant, while the healthy compartments and the cruciate ligaments are kept. It is suitable for selected patients whose arthritis is limited to one part of the knee.
Because less of the knee is replaced, recovery in the early weeks is often quicker than after a total knee replacement, and the knee may feel more natural. However, it is suitable only when examination and X-rays confirm that the damage is limited to one compartment and the ligaments are healthy.
PMG Hospital (PMG Orthopedic Hospital), Gota, is an orthopedic hospital for partial knee replacement in Ahmedabad. This page explains who may be suitable, how it compares with total knee replacement, the procedure, recovery, how long it lasts, risks and cost factors.
What Is Partial Knee Replacement?
The knee has three compartments: the inner side (medial), the outer side (lateral) and the area behind the kneecap (patellofemoral). Arthritis often starts in one compartment, most commonly the inner side. In partial knee replacement, the worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone in that compartment are removed and replaced with a metal and plastic implant. The other compartments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) are kept.
| Type | Compartment replaced |
|---|---|
| Medial unicompartmental knee replacement | Inner side of the knee - the most common type |
| Lateral unicompartmental knee replacement | Outer side of the knee |
| Patellofemoral replacement | The groove of the thigh bone and the back of the kneecap |
The term "Microplasty" is the name of an instrument system used with one partial knee implant design. It is sometimes used to mean partial knee replacement in general.
Who May Be Suitable for Partial Knee Replacement?
| Partial replacement may be suitable when | A total replacement is usually advised when |
|---|---|
| Arthritis is limited to one compartment | Arthritis affects two or three compartments |
| The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is working | The ACL is torn or not working |
| The knee bends well and any deformity can be corrected | There is a fixed deformity or marked stiffness |
| The arthritis is osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis limited to one compartment | There is inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis |
A partial knee replacement doctor in Ahmedabad uses examination and standing X-rays, and sometimes stress X-rays or an MRI, to confirm that only one compartment is affected. Non-surgical treatments, such as weight reduction, exercise, physiotherapy, pain-relief medicines and walking aids, are usually tried first.
Partial vs Total Knee Replacement
| Feature | Partial knee replacement | Total knee replacement |
|---|---|---|
| What is replaced | One compartment | All three compartments |
| Cruciate ligaments | ACL and PCL usually kept | ACL usually removed; PCL kept or replaced by the implant design |
| Size of operation | Smaller incision and less bone removed | Larger operation |
| Early recovery | Often quicker | Usually takes longer |
| Feel of the knee | Often more natural | Generally good |
| Chance of further surgery in the long term | Somewhat higher | Lower |
| Suitable for | Arthritis limited to one compartment | Arthritis in more than one compartment, deformity or a damaged ACL |
These are general comparisons; individual results vary. A partial knee replacement treatment hospital should also be able to perform a total knee replacement, in case the knee is found unsuitable for a partial replacement before or during surgery.
Related pages: Total knee replacement·Knee replacement
The CROWN Approach at PMG Hospital
"CROWN" is the name PMG Hospital uses for its approach to partial knee replacement. In this approach, only the affected compartment is resurfaced and the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments are kept. It is suitable only for selected patients with arthritis limited to one compartment, and whether it suits a particular knee is decided after examination and X-rays.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in Ahmedabad: Step by Step
The main steps are similar in any partial knee replacement surgery hospital in Ahmedabad:
- 1Anaesthesia: usually spinal anaesthesia (numbing the lower body), often with a nerve block for pain relief after surgery; general anaesthesia is used in some patients
- 2Incision: a smaller cut is made over the front of the knee
- 3Checking the knee: the surgeon confirms that the other compartments and the ACL are healthy; if they are not, a total knee replacement may be needed, which is discussed before surgery
- 4Preparing the bone: the worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone are removed from the affected compartment
- 5Fitting the implant: trial parts are checked, and the final metal components and plastic insert are fixed, usually with bone cement
- 6Closure: the wound is closed and dressed
- 7After surgery: pain relief, measures to prevent blood clots, and physiotherapy, often starting the same day or the next day
Robotic Assistance and TriNova
In partial knee replacement, accurate positioning of the implant is especially important. Robotic systems can help the surgeon plan and guide the position of the implant during surgery. Studies show improved accuracy of implant positioning; long-term differences compared with conventional partial knee replacement are still being studied. At PMG Hospital, robotic-assisted knee replacement is performed using the ROSA Knee System (Zimmer Biomet).
"TriNova" is the name PMG Hospital uses when three choices are combined during surgery in suitable patients:
| Choice | What it means | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic assistance | Measurements during surgery guide implant size, position and alignment | Not every knee needs robotic assistance |
| Subvastus approach | The knee is opened from beneath the vastus medialis muscle instead of cutting into the quadriceps tendon | May help early muscle function; used for inner-side (medial) replacements and not suitable for every knee |
| Surgery without a thigh tourniquet | The operation is done without a tight band on the thigh that stops blood flow | May reduce thigh discomfort; bleeding during surgery is controlled in other ways; decided case by case |
Related page: Robotic knee replacement
Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery or next day | Standing and walking with support and the physiotherapist |
| First few days | Pain control, knee-bending exercises, walking with support; discharge when safe, often after a short stay |
| Weeks 1–2 | Walking with less support, wound care, stitches or staples removed when the wound has healed |
| Weeks 3–6 | Light daily activities; driving once the surgeon allows it |
| 2–3 months | Return to most usual activities for many patients |
| 3–6 months | Strength continues to improve |
This is a general guide; recovery differs from person to person. Physiotherapy and home exercises are still important after a partial replacement.
How Long Does a Partial Knee Replacement Last?
Many partial knee replacements are still in place without needing further surgery 15 years or more after surgery. Large joint registry studies show that partial knee replacements have a somewhat higher chance of needing revision than total knee replacements, for example because of wear, loosening or arthritis developing in another compartment. If this happens, a partial replacement can usually be converted to a total knee replacement. Careful patient selection and accurate implant positioning help to reduce these risks.
Risks and Possible Complications
Partial knee replacement is a smaller operation than total knee replacement, but no surgery is without risk. The surgeon explains these risks before taking consent.
- Infection of the wound or around the implant
- Blood clots in the leg veins or lungs
- Continuing pain in some patients
- Arthritis developing in another compartment over time
- Loosening or wear of the implant, or dislocation of the plastic insert in some designs
- Fracture of the shin bone near the implant, which is rare
- Stiffness or wound problems
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels, which is rare
- Need for revision, usually to a total knee replacement
- Anaesthesia-related and general medical risks
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Hospital in Ahmedabad
Before choosing a partial knee replacement hospital in Ahmedabad, check that the treating surgeon is a qualified orthopaedic surgeon with valid medical council registration, that the hospital regularly performs this operation, how infection is prevented, which implants and tests are available, what physiotherapy and follow-up are provided, and what the written estimate includes. You can also ask how suitability for a partial replacement is checked before surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Ahmedabad
- The implant chosen
- Robotic-assisted or conventional surgery
- Length of hospital stay and room category
- Other medical conditions and any extra care needed
- Physiotherapy and follow-up
A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Insurance
- Medically necessary knee replacement is generally covered under health insurance policies, subject to policy terms, waiting periods and insurer approval
- Some policies have limits on room rent or implant costs; check these with your insurer before surgery
- Ask the hospital whether cashless treatment is available with your insurer, and which documents are needed
Partial Knee Replacement Doctor in Ahmedabad
Partial knee replacement is planned and performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, usually one who works in joint replacement (arthroplasty). A family physician may see you first for knee pain and refer you, but the decision on whether a partial or a total replacement suits your knee is made by the orthopaedic surgeon. Different doctors and team members are involved at different stages:
| Doctor or team member | Role in partial knee replacement |
|---|---|
| Family physician | First assessment of knee pain; referral to an orthopaedic surgeon when arthritis is suspected |
| Orthopaedic (joint replacement) surgeon | Examines the knee, checks which compartments are worn and whether the ACL is working, and performs the operation |
| Radiologist | Performs and reports standing X-rays, stress X-rays or an MRI when needed |
| Physician | Checks and controls diabetes, blood pressure, heart or kidney conditions before surgery |
| Anaesthetist | Assesses fitness for anaesthesia and plans spinal or general anaesthesia and nerve blocks |
| Physiotherapist | Guides walking, knee-bending and strengthening exercises from the first day after surgery |
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Doctor in Ahmedabad
Before agreeing to the operation, it is reasonable to ask your partial knee replacement surgery doctor in Ahmedabad a few clear questions. The answers help you understand the plan and give informed consent.
- Which compartment of my knee is worn, and what do the X-rays show about the other compartments?
- Is my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) working, and how was this checked?
- Do I need stress X-rays or an MRI before the decision is final?
- If the knee is found unsuitable during surgery, will a total knee replacement be done in the same operation?
- Which implant will be used, and will it be fixed with bone cement?
- What type of anaesthesia and pain relief are planned?
- What are the main risks in my case, given my age, weight and other medical conditions?
- How often are follow-up visits and X-rays advised after surgery?
Treating Surgeon
At PMG Hospital, partial knee replacement is performed by:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Hiren Patel |
| Qualification | MS (Ortho), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Specialty | Orthopaedics |
| Designation | Director & Head Joint Replacement Surgeon, PMG Hospital |
| Registration status | Registered Medical Practitioner |
| Registration number | Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-20583 |
| OPD availability | Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Facilities at PMG Hospital
- Orthopaedic OPD, Monday to Saturday
- Emergency and trauma care, 24×7
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy centre
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement system (ROSA Knee System)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor about partial knee replacement?
See an orthopaedic surgeon if knee pain is felt mainly on one side of the knee or behind the kneecap, limits walking or stairs, and does not improve with medicines, exercises and physiotherapy. An orthopaedic surgeon checks with examination and X-rays whether the arthritis is limited to one compartment and the ligaments are healthy.
What is partial knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, resurfaces only the one worn compartment of the knee and keeps the healthy compartments and the cruciate ligaments. It is suitable only when arthritis is limited to one part of the knee.
Am I suitable for partial knee replacement?
You may be suitable if the arthritis is limited to one compartment, the anterior cruciate ligament is working, the knee bends well, and any deformity can be corrected. If arthritis affects more than one compartment, the ACL is damaged, or there is inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, a total knee replacement is usually advised. The decision is made after examination and X-rays.
How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?
A partial replacement resurfaces one compartment and keeps the cruciate ligaments; a total replacement resurfaces all three compartments. Partial replacement often allows a quicker early recovery and the knee may feel more natural, but it has a somewhat higher chance of needing further surgery in the long term.
Is recovery faster after partial knee replacement?
Often, yes. Because less of the knee is disturbed, many patients walk with support on the day of surgery or the next day, go home after a short stay, and return to daily activities sooner than after a total replacement. Physiotherapy is still needed, and recovery differs from person to person.
What is the CROWN approach at PMG Hospital?
CROWN is the name PMG Hospital uses for its approach to partial knee replacement, in which only the affected compartment is resurfaced and the healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments are kept. Whether it is suitable is decided after examination and X-rays.
How long does a partial knee replacement last?
Many partial knee replacements are still in place without needing further surgery 15 years or more after surgery. Large joint registry studies show that partial knee replacements have a somewhat higher chance of needing revision than total knee replacements. If a partial replacement wears out or arthritis develops in another compartment, it can usually be converted to a total knee replacement.
Can partial knee replacement be done with robotic assistance?
Yes. Robotic systems can be used to plan and guide the position of a partial knee implant, where accurate positioning is especially important. Long-term differences compared with conventional partial knee replacement are still being studied.
What facilities should a hospital have for partial knee replacement?
It should have an operation theatre suitable for joint replacement with strict infection-control practices, anaesthesia services, X-ray, laboratory tests, physiotherapy and arrangements for follow-up. You can ask which facilities are available on site and which are arranged elsewhere.
What decides the cost of partial knee replacement?
The cost depends on the implant, the use of robotic assistance, the length of hospital stay, room category, other medical conditions and physiotherapy. A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Contact and Location
PMG Hospital
3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, Nr. Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, Ahmedabad, India
- Phone / WhatsApp:
- +91 96627 70141
- OPD:
- Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Emergency and trauma care:
- 24×7