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Joint replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Not every arthritic knee requires a total knee replacement. When damage is confined to one compartment of the knee and the remaining joint structures are appropriate, a partial knee replacement may preserve more of the patient's natural knee.

Understanding the Procedure

Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged portion of the knee. For appropriate patients, PBNJ may use Mako robotic-arm assisted technology to create a CT-based 3D plan and help guide bone preparation and implant positioning while the surgeon remains in control.

Who May Be a Candidate?

A recommendation for surgery is based on the whole clinical picture, not one symptom or X-ray alone. Factors commonly considered include:

  • Arthritis limited mainly to one compartment of the knee
  • Pain that corresponds to the affected part of the joint
  • Ligaments and the remaining joint appropriate for partial replacement
  • Persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment

Before Surgery

Your evaluation typically includes a medical history, physical examination and imaging. The team will review treatment options, medications, medical optimization, preparation for home, and what to expect after surgery. If surgery is selected, your plan is individualized to your health and functional goals.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery is progressive. Early goals usually include safe mobility, pain and swelling control, and gradually restoring function. Physical therapy and home exercises are tailored to the procedure and patient. The timing of driving, work, exercise and other activities varies, so follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and therapy team.

Common questions

What Patients Often Ask

Why would someone choose partial instead of total knee replacement?

When arthritis is truly limited to one part of the knee, partial replacement can preserve more native bone and joint structures. It is not appropriate for every pattern of arthritis.

How do I know whether I need replacement?

The decision is based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, response to nonsurgical care, health and goals. An office evaluation is the best way to determine which options are reasonable.

How long is recovery?

There is no single recovery timeline that applies to everyone. Your procedure, health, home situation, rehabilitation progress and activity goals all matter.

Next step

Make an Informed Decision

A consultation is an opportunity to review your imaging, discuss nonsurgical and surgical options, and understand the expected benefits, risks and recovery before deciding how to proceed.

Request an Appointment

Educational information only. Diagnosis, treatment recommendations, surgical risks and recovery expectations are individualized and should be discussed with your orthopedic surgeon.

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