Partial knee replacement is a surgery that replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint instead of the entire knee. This procedure is usually used when arthritis or joint damage affects only one of them. During surgery, the worn cartilage and damaged bone in that one area are replaced with metal and plastic components, while the healthy parts of the knee are left in place.
Because more of your natural knee is preserved, partial knee replacement may allow the knee to feel more natural after surgery. It can also mean a smaller operation than a total knee replacement because the surgeon is treating only the part of the joint that is damaged.
For many people, the biggest benefit is simple: less pain in the part of the knee that has made everyday movement harder.
The goal is to help you return to daily activities with better comfort, better function and more confidence in each step.
It is usually best for people whose arthritis or damage is limited to one part of the knee. A CHRISTUS Health orthopedic specialist will look closely at where your pain is located, how much arthritis is present, how stable your knee is and whether the rest of the joint is still healthy enough to preserve.
You may be a candidate if you:
Before recommending surgery, your care team will usually review your symptoms, medical history, X-rays and physical exam findings. In some cases, they may also evaluate how well your knee moves, whether it is stable and whether your pain matches damage seen on imaging.
Your CHRISTUS Health orthopedic specialist will want to understand where your knee hurts, how long it has been bothering you, what treatments you have already tried and what activities you want to get back to.
Your evaluation may include:
If partial knee replacement is the right option, your surgeon will explain how the procedure works.
Recovery is not only about healing from surgery. It is about helping you get back to daily life with better movement and less pain.
Because partial knee replacement is less extensive than a total knee replacement, recovery may be faster for some patients. Partial knee replacement is less invasive and may lead to a faster recovery, less time in the hospital and better range of motion for the right candidate.
Rehabilitation often includes:
Physical therapy plays an important role in helping you rebuild strength and confidence. Some people move through recovery quickly, while others need more time. Your age, health, strength before surgery and daily activity level can all affect healing.
In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged compartment of the knee is resurfaced and replaced. Healthy bone, cartilage and supporting structures in the rest of the joint are preserved. In a total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced because damage is more widespread. But partial knee replacement is only a good choice when the damage is truly limited to one compartment.
If arthritis has spread to other areas of the knee, replacing only one section may not solve the whole problem. In those cases, a total knee replacement may provide better long-term relief.
CHRISTUS offers orthopedic and joint replacement care that includes partial knee replacement, total knee replacement and robotic-assisted options. Its joint replacement program emphasizes personalized care, advanced techniques and support through recovery.
CHRISTUS also provides knee reconstruction services and patient education resources on joint replacement questions and recovery.
Choosing CHRISTUS means you can expect:
Most of all, your care is built around getting you a clear answer. CHRISTUS Health helps you take that next step with a plan centered on you.
