Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental) Surgery in Jaipur
Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, replaces only the damaged portion of the knee rather than the entire joint. For patients where arthritis is confined to one area of the knee, this less invasive procedure offers a smaller operation, less blood loss, an early-recovery approach, and a more natural-feeling result than total knee replacement.
General patient education only. Suitability, risks and recovery differ by patient and require an individual clinical assessment. Medical editorial policy.
24 Years
Orthopedic experience
40,000+ Surgeries
Total surgeries performed
Director
Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, Shalby Hospital Jaipur
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
The knee joint has three compartments — the inner side (medial), outer side (lateral), and the kneecap area (patellofemoral). In many patients, arthritis affects primarily one compartment while the other areas remain relatively healthy. In these cases, replacing only the damaged compartment — a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement — is a highly effective option that preserves healthy bone and tissue. The procedure uses smaller implants, requires a smaller incision, involves less blood loss, and results in an early-recovery approach than total knee replacement. Patients who have partial replacement also tend to report that the knee feels more natural than after total replacement, because the remaining native ligaments and joint surfaces are preserved. However, partial replacement requires careful patient selection — the arthritis must be genuinely confined to one compartment and other aspects of the knee including ligaments must be intact. Dr. Dubay carefully evaluates each patient's X-rays and MRI to determine whether partial or total replacement is more appropriate.
How Partial Knee Replacement is Performed
- 1Spinal or general anaesthesia is administered
- 2A smaller incision than total replacement is made at the inner or outer side of the knee
- 3Only the damaged compartment is exposed — healthy areas of the knee are not disturbed
- 4Damaged bone and cartilage in the affected compartment are removed precisely
- 5Small metal components are fixed to the femur and tibia surfaces of that compartment
- 6A smooth plastic spacer is placed between the components
- 7Range of motion and stability are tested before closing
- 8Smaller incision is closed — typically faster healing than total replacement
Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement
Smaller Operation
Less bone removed, smaller incision, less blood loss compared to total knee replacement
an early-recovery approach
Most patients recover faster than after total replacement and return to activity sooner
More Natural Feel
Preserving native ligaments and healthy joint surfaces results in a more natural-feeling knee
Less Blood Loss
Significantly reduced blood loss compared to total knee replacement — rarely requires transfusion
Revisable if Needed
If arthritis progresses to other compartments, conversion to total knee replacement is straightforward
Better Proprioception
Preserved ligaments maintain the knee's natural sense of position and movement
Dr. Dheeraj Dubay — Relevant Experience
- ✓Careful patient selection — Dr. Dubay performs partial replacement only when genuinely appropriate
- ✓Experience in both partial and total replacement allows accurate comparison and recommendation
- ✓Minimally invasive surgical technique for partial replacement minimising tissue disruption
- ✓Expertise in converting partial to total replacement if arthritis progresses in future
Who is Suitable for Partial Knee Replacement?
You may need an orthopedic assessment if you have:
- •Arthritis confirmed on X-ray as primarily affecting one compartment of the knee
- •Intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — confirmed on MRI
- •Pain localised to one side of the knee rather than all around
- •Relatively normal weight — severe obesity increases conversion risk
- •Older patients or those with lower activity demands
Factors that may change or delay the plan include:
- •Arthritis affecting multiple compartments of the knee
- •Torn or absent ACL — total replacement is more appropriate
- •Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid) — total replacement is standard
- •Severe deformity of the knee
Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement
Recovery is patient-dependent. The timeline below is general education and may differ with age, diagnosis, other medical conditions, surgery type and rehabilitation progress.
Day 1
Walking with Support
Even faster mobilisation than total replacement. Most patients walk with a frame within hours.
Day 2-3
Home Discharge
Most partial replacement patients go home in 2-3 days — earlier than total replacement.
Week 2-4
Rapid Recovery
Many patients progress faster than after total replacement. Walking without aids often achievable by week 4.
Month 2-3
Full Activity
Return to full daily activities, driving, and most physical pursuits earlier than with total replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dubay determines this through a combination of your symptoms, clinical examination, X-rays, and MRI. The key factors are how many compartments of the knee are affected by arthritis and whether your knee ligaments are intact. Many patients who come expecting total replacement are found to be suitable for the less invasive partial procedure.
Patient education references
Independent orthopedic references for general background. They do not replace a clinical examination or an individual treatment plan.
Patient guides related to this treatment
Use these decision-stage guides to understand trade-offs, risks and questions to discuss during an orthopedic consultation.
Related treatment information
Need an Orthopedic Consultation?
Book a consultation with Dr. Dheeraj Dubay. Appointments are available at Shalby Hospital Jaipur and Dr. Dubay Hip & Knee Clinic, Vidhyadhar Nagar.
Website information is educational. Diagnosis and treatment recommendations require an individual clinical assessment.