Partial Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects just one compartment, replacing only the damaged portion can help you keep more of the knee you were born with.
More of Your Knee. More Natural Movement.
When arthritis is limited to one compartment, partial knee replacement treats the worn surfaces while leaving the healthy parts of your knee in place. Preserving native anatomy can help the knee feel and move more naturally than a total knee replacement.
In a typical unicompartmental knee replacement, the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL remain intact, helping preserve the knee’s natural stability and movement.
Only the arthritic compartment is resurfaced, preserving the other healthy compartments and more native bone.
Preserving the native ligaments and healthy joint surfaces can make everyday movement feel more natural.
Many eligible patients can return home the day of surgery and begin recovering in familiar surroundings.
Is Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?
The best candidates have arthritis concentrated in one area of the knee, with appropriate ligament stability, alignment, and range of motion. A careful examination and X-rays help Dr. Howell determine whether partial or total knee replacement is the better option.
Preserving All Four Major Knee Ligaments
One of the defining benefits of a typical partial knee replacement is preserving the knee’s own stabilizing ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
These structures work together to guide knee motion and stability. By retaining them and resurfacing only the damaged compartment, partial knee replacement preserves more of the mechanics of your natural knee.
Your New Joint. Your Own Bed. The Same Day.
For appropriately selected patients, partial knee replacement can be performed with same-day discharge. Walking begins soon after surgery, with a coordinated plan for pain management, mobility, and recovery at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a partial knee always better than a total knee?
No. It is an excellent option for selected patterns of arthritis, but total knee replacement may be more appropriate for widespread disease.
Can a partial knee be converted later?
Yes, in many cases, though revision complexity varies.
Does the incision size determine the best procedure?
No. The distribution of arthritis, stability, alignment, and clinical goals are more important than incision length.