Partial Knee Replacement (PKR), also known as Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, is a surgical procedure in which only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, while the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are preserved.

Unlike Total Knee Replacement, which replaces the entire knee joint, partial knee replacement focuses on one specific compartment of the knee, allowing for a more natural knee movement and faster recovery.

The knee joint has three compartments, and PKR is performed when arthritis or damage affects only one of these compartments.

1. Medial Partial Knee Replacement

This is the most common type of partial knee replacement.

• Replaces the inner (medial) compartment of the knee.
• Usually performed when arthritis affects the inner side of the knee joint.
• Common in patients with varus deformity (bow-legged alignment).

Key Features

• Small surgical incision
• Faster recovery compared to total knee replacement
• Preserves most natural knee structures

2. Lateral Partial Knee Replacement

This procedure replaces the outer (lateral) compartment of the knee.

• Less common than medial replacement
• Performed when arthritis affects the outer side of the knee

Key Features

• Maintains natural knee ligaments
• Suitable for patients with valgus deformity (knock-knee alignment)
• Improves knee stability and movement

3. Patellofemoral Knee Replacement

This type replaces the front part of the knee joint, where the kneecap meets the thigh bone.

• Treats arthritis between the patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone)
• Often recommended for younger patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis

Key Features

• Targets pain in the front of the knee
• Preserves other knee compartments
• Helps maintain natural knee motion