In approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, a partial or unicompartmental replacement may be considered. The ideal patient has damage limited to only one compartment of the knee, intact ligaments, and pain associated with the damaged compartment. Particularly in the young who may be facing more than one operation over their lifetime, or in the very elderly who would desire a faster recovery, this option may be desirable.

The majority of patients with arthritis of the knee are more appropriately served by a total knee arthroplasty but if you are one of the 10 to 15 percent in whom a partial knee replacement could be considered, you should discuss this with your surgeon.