Not all patients with knee arthritis require a full knee replacement. In selected cases where damage is limited to a specific part of the knee joint, Partial Knee Replacement, Unicondylar Knee Replacement, or Patello-Femoral Knee Replacement may be suitable treatment options. These advanced procedures are designed to treat only the damaged portion of the knee while preserving the healthy parts of the joint.
Under the expert care of Dr. Vijay A. Kulkarni, Consultant – Orthopaedics & Robotic Joint Replacement, patients can receive a detailed evaluation to determine the most appropriate knee replacement approach based on the pattern of joint damage, symptoms, activity level, and overall knee function.
Partial Knee Replacement is a procedure in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced instead of the entire knee joint. This is usually considered when arthritis or cartilage wear is limited to one specific part of the knee.
Because the unaffected ligaments, bone, and healthy cartilage are preserved, this procedure may offer a more natural knee feel and faster functional recovery in carefully selected patients.
Unicondylar Knee Replacement is a type of partial knee replacement used when arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee — usually the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) side.
This procedure is often considered for patients who have:
It can help relieve pain while preserving more of the natural knee structure.
Patello-Femoral Knee Replacement is a specialized procedure used when the damage is mainly present in the front part of the knee, where the kneecap (patella) moves against the thigh bone (femur).
This may be suitable for patients who experience:
By replacing only the affected front portion of the knee joint, this procedure can help improve comfort and movement while preserving the rest of the knee.
These advanced knee replacement options may be suitable for patients who have:
A thorough assessment is necessary to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for Partial, Unicondylar, or Patello-Femoral Knee Replacement.
Depending on the patient’s condition, these procedures may offer several advantages:
For patients considering advanced knee replacement options, Dr. Vijay A. Kulkarni offers:
Not all knee arthritis requires a total knee replacement. When damage is limited to one compartment of the knee, a partial knee replacement — also known as unicondylar or unicompartmental arthroplasty — offers a more targeted, bone-sparing solution. Dr. Vijay A Kulkarni, practising at Kanakapura Road and Electronic City, Bangalore, is skilled in partial and patellofemoral knee replacement, delivering quicker recovery and a more natural knee feel compared to total replacement. With careful patient selection and precise surgical technique, partial knee replacement can provide decades of pain-free function while preserving your healthy tissue.
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicondylar knee arthroplasty, replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It is commonly recommended for patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee.
Patellofemoral knee replacement is a specialised procedure that resurfaces only the kneecap (patella) and the groove it moves within (trochlea). It is suitable for patients with arthritis isolated to the front part of the knee causing persistent anterior knee pain.
Partial knee replacement preserves more of the natural knee structure, including healthy ligaments and bone. Benefits often include a smaller incision, less blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, quicker recovery, and a more natural-feeling knee compared to total knee replacement.
Patients with arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee, intact ligaments, good knee stability, and acceptable alignment may be suitable candidates. A detailed clinical examination and imaging assessment are required to determine eligibility.
Recovery is generally faster than after total knee replacement. Many patients walk independently within 2–4 weeks and resume most daily activities within 4–6 weeks, depending on their overall health and rehabilitation progress.
Yes. If arthritis develops in other parts of the knee over time, a partial knee replacement can be converted to a total knee replacement. This is a recognised and commonly performed revision procedure when clinically indicated.
Yes. Dr. Vijay A Kulkarni offers consultations and surgical treatment for partial knee replacement, unicondylar knee replacement, and patellofemoral knee replacement for eligible patients at his Kanakapura Road and Electronic City locations.
Consult Dr. Vijay A. Kulkarni to find out whether Partial, Unicondylar, or Patello-Femoral Knee Replacement is the right treatment option for your knee condition.
Book an appointment with Dr. Vijay A. Kulkarni for comprehensive orthopaedic and robotic joint care.