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.
Dr. Hardik Shah performs this procedure at DHS Multispecialty Hospital, Gurukul, Ahmedabad — a NABH-accredited hospital with 24/7 ICU and emergency care, and cashless insurance support.