011 470 7960 / 011 470 7961 (08h30 – 12h00)
  072 609 6005 (09h00 – 16h00)
info@duplessisortho.co.za
 
SERVICES

Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

Partial Knee Replacement

OVERVIEW

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in a knee joint that has been partially damaged by arthritis or injury. Unlike a total knee replacement, this procedure only involves replacing the damaged portion of the knee, preserving the healthy parts of the joint for more natural movement and quicker recovery.

TYPES OF PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT:

There are different approaches to partial knee replacement, depending on the specific area of the knee that is affected. The main categories include:

  • Medial Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: This procedure targets the inner (medial) part of the knee, which is often the most commonly affected area by arthritis.
  • Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: This approach focuses on the outer (lateral) part of the knee, addressing damage in that specific region.
  • Patellofemoral Replacement: This type involves replacing the area behind the kneecap (patella) and the front of the thighbone (femur), where arthritis may develop.
CAUSES
Several factors can lead to the need for partial knee replacement, including:
  • Osteoarthritis: The most common cause, characterised by the gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage, often affecting one specific area of the knee.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Resulting from a previous knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament damage, which causes localised joint degeneration over time.
  • Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to a part of the bone is interrupted, leading to the gradual breakdown of the bone and necessitating replacement.
SYMPTOMS
Patients who may be candidates for partial knee replacement often experience the following symptoms:
  • Localised Knee Pain: Pain confined to one specific area of the knee, often worsening with activity.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully bending or straightening the knee, affecting daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
  • Swelling and Stiffness: Persistent swelling and stiffness in the knee, particularly in the affected compartment.
TREATMENT
Before recommending surgery, Mr du Plessis may consider conservative treatments, including:
  • Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint flexibility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Changes to daily activities to reduce strain on the affected part of the knee joint.
SURGERY
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, partial knee replacement surgery may be necessary.

Partial knee replacement is a less invasive option compared to total knee replacement and can provide significant pain relief and improved joint function while preserving as much of the natural knee structure as possible.

FAQ

What is the recovery process like after partial knee replacement surgery?
Recovery from partial knee replacement surgery is typically faster than with total knee replacement. Patients can often expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks, with physiotherapy playing a key role in rehabilitation.
Are there any risks associated with partial knee replacement surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, blood clots, or issues with the prosthetic components. However, these risks are minimised through careful planning and surgical expertise.
How long does the partial knee prosthesis last?
The longevity of the partial knee prosthesis can vary, but with appropriate care and regular follow-up, it can provide many years of improved knee function and pain relief.

    Request an Appointment

    PUBLICATIONS

    Assessment of the Reliability and Reproducibility of the Langenskiöld
    Classification in Blount’s Disease

    DU PLESSIS J, Firth GB, Robertson A. Assessment of the reliability and reproducibility of the Langenskiöld classification in Blount's disease. Journal of Pediatric orthopedics. Part B. 2019 Nov 12.

     

    The Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg

    Foster M, Du Plessis J, Jansen van Vuuren M, Jingo M, Pietrzak JR. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg. SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2022;21(2):70-5.

    Short term results following two stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection

    DU PLESSIS, J et al. Short-term results following two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. South African Orthopaedic Journal, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 64-69, may 2020

     

    Comparison of visual estimations of distal radius fracture radiographic parameters between different levels of orthopaedic doctors.

    Naidoo V, Milner B, du Plessis J. SA Orthop J. 2025;24(1):26-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2025/v24n1a4