When only one part of your knee is damaged, you don't need a total replacement. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement preserves healthy bone and ligaments — faster recovery, more natural feel.
Partial knee replacement (also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or UKA) replaces only the damaged compartment of your knee — usually the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (front) compartment — while leaving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact.
Compared to total knee replacement, partial knee replacement means smaller incisions, less tissue damage, shorter hospital stay, and a more "natural" feeling knee. At DHS Multispecialty Hospital, Dr Hardik Shah uses robotic assistance to achieve precise implant placement even with the smaller surgical window.
| Feature | Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | 6-10 cm | 15-25 cm |
| Bone Removed | Only damaged compartment | All three compartments |
| Ligaments Preserved | Yes (ACL, PCL, collateral) | ACL usually removed |
| Hospital Stay | 1-2 days | 2-4 days |
| Full Recovery | 4-6 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Knee Feel | More natural | Different from native knee |
| Blood Loss | Low | Moderate |
| Typical Cost (Ahmedabad) | ₹2.5L – ₹4L | ₹3L – ₹5L |
| Suitable For | Single compartment damage | Multi-compartment arthritis |
| Revision if Needed | Convertible to total | More complex revision |
Partial knee replacement is technically demanding — the smaller surgical window requires exceptional precision for good long-term results. Studies show the #1 reason partial knee replacements fail is imprecise implant alignment.
That's why Dr Hardik Shah uses robotic assistance for partial knee replacement. The robot's millimetre-accurate alignment dramatically improves long-term implant survival and reduces the risk of early failure or conversion to total knee replacement.
Only about 20-30% of knee arthritis patients are good candidates for partial replacement. A detailed examination and imaging assessment determines whether you qualify — and if you do, the benefits are substantial.
Modern partial knee implants last 15-20+ years with good alignment. Robotic precision further extends lifespan by reducing wear.
Yes — significantly. Most partial knee patients walk within hours, go home in 1-2 days, and resume daily activities in 4-6 weeks (vs 3-6 months for total replacement).
Partial knee implants are designed to be convertible — if the other compartments wear out years later, a total knee replacement can be done relatively easily.
Not necessarily. Partial replacement is often ideal for active patients in their 40s-60s who have isolated compartment damage.
Clinical examination plus standing X-rays (with valgus/varus stress views) and sometimes MRI. Dr Shah will assess which compartments are affected during your consultation.
A quick consultation with imaging tells us whether partial knee replacement is right for you. Book your assessment with Dr Shah.