A partial knee replacement replaces only the worn part of the knee, preserving the healthy areas of the joint. For the right patient, this can offer a smaller alternative to total knee replacement while still providing excellent relief from arthritis pain.
The important part is choosing the right operation for the right knee.
I offer specialist assessment and partial knee replacement surgery for private, insured and self-funding patients in Reading, Berkshire and London.
Knee arthritis does not always affect the whole joint. In some people, the wear is concentrated predominantly in one part of the knee, most commonly the inner or medial compartment.
Rather than replacing the entire knee, a partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged area, leaving the healthy cartilage and ligaments elsewhere in the knee intact.
It is sometimes also called a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR).
Partial knee replacement may be suitable if your arthritis is confined mainly to one part of the knee and the remainder of the joint is relatively healthy.
Symptoms commonly include pain with walking, standing, stairs or exercise that is beginning to interfere with everyday life.
X-rays and examination help determine the pattern of arthritis, but the decision is not based on an X-ray alone. Your symptoms, activity and what you want from your knee matter too.
Read more: Knee arthritis →
This is an important question, and the answer is different for different knees.
A partial knee replacement preserves more of your natural knee, including the healthy parts of the joint and important ligaments. For appropriately selected patients, this can mean a knee that feels more natural and may allow a quicker recovery.
A total knee replacement is generally more appropriate when arthritis is more widespread within the joint.
One of the main purposes of your consultation is to establish which option, if either, is best suited to your knee.
The success of partial knee replacement depends heavily on selecting the right patient and the right knee.
I take time to understand where your pain is coming from, how it affects your life and what you want to get back to doing. I will examine your knee carefully and review appropriate weight-bearing X-rays before recommending treatment.
If a partial knee replacement is the right option, I will explain the operation, recovery, expected benefits and potential risks in clinic. You will then receive detailed written information to read at home before making a final decision.
A consultation does not commit you to having an operation.
Your first appointment involves talking through your symptoms and goals, examining your knee and reviewing your X-rays or other imaging.
We can then discuss whether non-operative treatment, partial knee replacement or total knee replacement is most appropriate for you.
There is no pressure to make a decision on the day.
I offer private knee consultations in Reading, Henley, Windsor and London and treat both insured and self-funding patients.
If you are considering paying for your own knee assessment or treatment, you can contact Debbie, my secretary, directly.
Read more: Fees →
A partial knee replacement replaces only the arthritic part of the knee, while a total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint.
Which is most appropriate depends primarily on the pattern of arthritis within your knee.
Because more of the natural knee and its ligaments are preserved, a partial knee replacement can feel more like your own knee. Recovery can also be quicker for appropriately selected patients.
The key is making sure a partial replacement is the right operation for you.
Not everyone with knee arthritis is suitable. Your symptoms, examination and weight-bearing X-rays help determine whether the arthritis is sufficiently localised for a partial replacement to be considered.
Usually not. Good-quality weight-bearing X-rays provide much of the information needed when assessing knee arthritis. If additional imaging would be useful, I can arrange it after your consultation.
Yes. The aim is to help you return to an active everyday life. What is appropriate for you will depend on your individual knee, recovery and the activities or sports you want to return to.
If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral or authorisation.
If you are self-funding, you can contact Debbie directly to arrange a consultation.
If knee arthritis is starting to limit your everyday life, the first step is to understand where the arthritis is within your knee and which treatment best fits you.
You do not need to know whether you need a partial or total knee replacement before coming to see me. Working that out is part of the consultation.
NEV DAVIES
FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Written and reviewed by Mr Nev Davies FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist knee surgeon. Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information about partial knee replacement and cannot take account of your individual circumstances. It should not be treated as personal medical advice.