Is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Right for You?
Conservative Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Before considering surgery, many patients explore nonsurgical methods to manage knee pain.
Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can improve stability and reduce discomfort.2 Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help relieve inflammation and pain. In some cases, injections—such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid—are used to reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication, offering temporary relief from symptoms.3,4
Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, can also reduce stress on the knee joint.5 Bracing is another option; knee braces can help support the joint and reduce pressure, especially when tailored to the specific cause of pain.6 These treatments can be effective, but if pain continues to interfere with daily activities, surgical options may be considered.
Different Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged parts of the knee and replacing them with artificial parts designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee. There are two different types of knee replacement: partial and total.
Partial knee replacement is performed when damage is limited to one compartment of the knee. Total knee replacement is the best choice when damage affects multiple sections and the entire joint needs to be replaced.7
Partial Knee Replacement
If only part of your knee is damaged, partial knee replacement may be a good option. Partial knee replacement is less invasive than total knee replacement because only the damaged part of the knee is replaced with plastic and metal components.
Think of the damaged part of your knee as a single bad tooth. A dentist would not remove all your teeth just because one is problematic, and the same logic applies to your knee. Yet historically, many surgeons performed total knee replacements even when only one part of the joint was damaged. However, studies have shown patients who received partial knee replacements often experienced better functional outcomes compared to those who underwent total knee replacement.8
Additionally, a partial knee replacement allows for a faster recovery than a total knee replacement,1,9 and hospitalization following a partial knee replacement may not be necessary for most patients.10 In fact, many patients often begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery, usually the same day, and can return to low-impact activities within weeks.11 Since more of the knee is preserved, many patients also report a more natural feel, improved function,11,12 and more pain relief.12
While some partial knee replacement patients will require a total knee replacement as their osteoarthritis worsens, most patients who received a partial knee replacement will not need another surgery within 10 years.13 Research shows that 90% of partial knee replacements in the inner section of the knee continue to work well 14 years after surgery.14
If your surgeon recommends partial knee replacement surgery with the Arthrex iBalance® UKA implant, it is personalized for your unique anatomy. The iBalance UKA implant is carefully shaped to match the natural curves of a healthy knee, providing an anatomical fit that helps maintain near-normal knee movement and stability after surgery. For patients with damage to the inner part of the knee joint, the implant’s tapered front edge minimizes the risk of contact with the kneecap, which can improve comfort during activities such as bending and climbing stairs.
By restoring alignment and balance within the affected compartment, the iBalance UKA implant supports natural knee movement, helping patients return to an active lifestyle with confidence.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing all three sections of the knee with artificial parts. Typically, this procedure is recommended for patients with widespread arthritis. Recovery from a total knee replacement takes longer than a partial knee replacement because a larger portion of the knee is replaced. While total knee replacement is more extensive, it can provide lasting pain relief and improved mobility for patients with extensive damage to the knee joint.15
