Partial Knee Replacement
A targeted alternative to total knee replacement, performed by a senior orthopaedic specialist with over 30 years of experience.
When arthritis affects only one part of the knee, you don't always need a total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement (also called a unicompartmental knee replacement) replaces just the worn section and leaves the healthy parts of your knee untouched. For the right patient, that can mean a smaller operation, a quicker recovery, and a knee that feels more like your own.
Dr Elie Khoury performs partial knee replacement when it's the right fit for your knee. Patient selection is everything. Done in the right knee, the outcomes are excellent. Done in the wrong knee, it doesn't last.
What Is A Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement is an operation that replaces just one part of the knee joint, rather than the whole joint.
The knee has three main compartments:
The inner (medial) compartment - between the thigh bone and shin bone on the inside of the knee
The outer (lateral) compartment - between the thigh bone and shin bone on the outside of the knee
The kneecap (patellofemoral) compartment - between the kneecap and the thigh bone
When arthritis is confined to just one of these compartments, and the rest of the knee is healthy, a partial replacement can address the problem without resurfacing the entire joint. The worn surfaces in the affected compartment are replaced with small metal and plastic components. The ligaments and the rest of the cartilage are left alone.
Because less of the knee is operated on, recovery is generally quicker than a total knee replacement. Many patients say the knee feels more natural afterwards, because the parts that worked before are still doing their job.
When Partial Knee Replacement Is Recommended
A partial knee replacement is only suitable when arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee, and the rest of the knee is in good shape. That sounds straightforward, but assessment matters. Most patients with knee arthritis don't qualify for a partial.
You may be a candidate for partial knee replacement if:
Imaging shows arthritis in only one compartment of your knee
The cartilage in the other compartments is preserved
Your ligaments (especially the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL) are intact
Your knee bends and straightens well
You don't have significant deformity that can't be corrected
Non-surgical treatments (physiotherapy, medication, weight management, activity changes) haven't given you adequate relief
If your knee meets these criteria, partial knee replacement can offer real advantages.
If it doesn't, a total knee replacement is usually the better long-term option. Dr Khoury will go through your imaging, examine your knee in detail, and have an honest conversation about which operation gives you the best outcome.
Dr Khoury's Approach to Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is a procedure where patient selection matters more than almost any other decision. The operation itself is well-established. The question is whether your knee is the right knee for it.
Dr Khoury's approach is built around three principles.
Selection above everything else A partial knee replacement done in the wrong knee fails earlier than a total knee replacement done in the same knee. Dr Khoury is careful about patient selection. If your knee suits a partial, you'll be told. If a total is the better long-term answer, you'll be told that too.
Considered, conservative recommendations Even when you're a candidate for partial knee replacement, surgery is recommended only when it's genuinely the right answer. That means thorough assessment, an honest conversation about your alternatives, and clear explanation of what surgery can (and can't) do for your knee.
A focus on long-term function A successful partial knee replacement should last well for many years. Implant choice and surgical precision matter. As Chair of the Australian Standards Committee for Surgical Implants, Dr Khoury brings deep expertise to every implant decision.
What To Expect - Before, During and After
Before surgery Once you've decided to go ahead, you'll meet with Dr Khoury's pre-surgery team. This team includes anaesthetists and physicians who get your health ready for surgery, manage any existing conditions, and walk you through what to expect.
You may be asked to:
Have imaging and blood tests done
Stop or adjust some medications
See a physio before surgery
Get your home ready (handrails, removing trip hazards, organising help for the first few weeks)
Surgery day Partial knee replacement is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, and the incision is smaller than a total knee replacement.
Dr Khoury operates at:
Cabrini Malvern
The Alfred Hospital (private patients)
The Bays Hospital (Mornington Peninsula)
Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days. The hospital stay is generally shorter than a total knee replacement.
Early recovery (weeks 1 to 6) Recovery from partial knee replacement is generally quicker than total knee replacement. Most patients are up and walking with help on the same day as surgery, often progressing through walking aids faster.
Typical milestones:
Week 1: Walking short distances with aid. Basic daily activities. Early bending exercises.
Weeks 2 to 4: More movement. Gradual return to light tasks at home. Many patients off crutches by 3 to 4 weeks.
Week 6: Many patients return to driving (once Dr Khoury clears you).
Full recovery (3 to 9 months) Most patients feel substantially better by 3 months. Full recovery, including return to all the activities you want to do, can take 6 to 9 months. The recovery is generally faster than a total knee replacement because less of the knee was operated on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A partial knee replacement only replaces the worn part of the knee. A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the joint. The right operation for you depends on which parts of your knee are affected and how the rest of your knee is doing.
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Modern partial knee replacements are expected to last well for many years when used in the right patient. Long-term outcomes depend on patient selection, implant choice, surgical technique, your activity level and your individual factors. [SIGN-OFF on longevity wording]
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Yes. If a partial knee replacement wears out or arthritis progresses in the rest of the knee, it can usually be converted to a total knee replacement. The conversion is more involved than a first-time total knee replacement.
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Many patients say a partial knee feels more like their own knee than a total knee replacement, because the healthy parts of the knee are left alone. Individual experience varies. [SIGN-OFF]
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Most patients return to driving around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once Dr Khoury clears you and you feel confident behind the wheel. [SIGN-OFF]
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Yes. To see Dr Khoury, a referral from your GP is required. Once you have it, our rooms will help you book a consultation that suits you.
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Dr Khoury consults at three locations: St Kilda Road Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula at The Bays Hospital, and Albury at the Gardens Specialist Centre. Our team will help you find the most convenient one.
Dr Khoury’s Approach to Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement is the right operation for some knees and the wrong one for others. The first job at consultation is working out which group your knee is in. Dr Khoury and his team will take the time to review your imaging, examine your knee, and walk you through the options without pressure.
To book, you'll need a referral from your GP. If you don't have one yet, your GP can refer you directly to Dr Khoury at any of our three locations.