Who Is Eligible for PKR?
You may be a suitable candidate for partial knee replacement if:
- Your arthritis or joint damage is limited to a single compartment of the knee (typically the inner side).
- You experience persistent knee pain that affects your daily life despite conservative treatments.
- Your knee remains stable and well-aligned, with good range of motion.
- You have tried medications, physical therapy, or injections without long-term improvement.
- You are in good general health and can commit to the post-surgical recovery plan.
A thorough clinical and imaging assessment will confirm if partial knee replacement is appropriate for your condition.
About the Procedure
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery designed to replace only the damaged portion of the knee joint.
- The surgeon makes a smaller incision than in total knee replacement.
- Only the worn cartilage and bone in the affected compartment are removed.
- A small prosthesis is inserted to resurface that specific area.
- Healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are preserved, helping maintain natural knee function.
The procedure typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia.
Recovery Timeline
Partial knee replacement generally allows for a faster recovery compared to total knee replacement:
- Hospital stay: 1 to 2 days
- Walking with support: same day or next day
- Return to most daily activities: 2 to 4 weeks
- Return to work (desk-based): as early as 3 to 4 weeks
- Full recovery: around 6 to 10 weeks
Patients benefit from less postoperative pain, quicker rehabilitation, and better preservation of natural joint movement.
