Partial Knee Replacement
Mr Dennis Kosuge is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon offering partial knee replacement surgery at The Rivers Hospital, Sawbridgeworth (private) and The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow (NHS), serving patients from across West Essex and East Hertfordshire, including Bishop's Stortford, Epping, Hertford, and Chelmsford.
Frequently Asked Questions about Partial Knee Replacements
Do I Need a Partial Knee Replacement?
What is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
Is a partial knee replacement better than total?
Can I go home the same day after partial knee replacement?
How does recovery from partial knee replacement compare to total?
Mr Kosuge’s Patient Information Booklet on Knee Osteoarthritis. Please click on image to access the leaflet.
Do I need a Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is suitable for a selected group of patients in whom arthritis is confined to one compartment of the knee, with the remaining compartments and the cruciate ligaments intact. Suitable candidates typically have:
Osteoarthritis confined to one compartment of the knee, confirmed on weight-bearing X-rays
Intact anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
A correctable deformity of the knee (where present)
Pain that is well-localised to the affected compartment
If arthritis is present in more than one compartment, or if the ligaments are damaged, a total knee replacement is likely to be a more appropriate option. Mr Kosuge will assess your suitability during your consultation and explain all options clearly.
What Is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
A partial knee replacement — also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) — is a surgical procedure in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. In contrast to a total knee replacement, the healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the unaffected parts of the knee are preserved. This results in a more natural-feeling knee and, for appropriately selected patients, a faster recovery.
Mr Kosuge’s Patient Information Booklet on Partial Knee Replacement surgery. Please click on image to access the booklet.
Is partial knee replacement better than total?
For the right patient, partial knee replacement offers faster recovery and a more natural feel to their knee:
Preservation of the natural ligaments and bone, resulting in a more natural knee movement and feel
A smaller surgical incision and less disruption to the surrounding tissues
A shorter hospital stay — often the same day or one night
Faster rehabilitation and return to everyday activities
Lower risk of certain complications, including blood clots and stiffness
The trade-off is that, in national registry data, partial knee replacements are more likely to need further surgery in later years than total knee replacements. For the right patient, the faster recovery and more natural feel are usually worth this, and Mr Kosuge will talk it through with you.
It is important to note that partial knee replacement is not suitable for all patients with knee osteoarthritis, and patient selection is critically important to achieving a good outcome. Total replacement can give excellent results when partial replacement is not suitable. Mr Kosuge will be happy to discuss whether this procedure is right for you or not.
Can I go home the same day after partial knee replacement?
Often, yes. Partial knee replacement is well suited to day-case surgery, so many patients can go home on the day of their operation. Whether this is right for you will be assessed at your pre-operative appointment.
How does recovery from partial knee replacement compare to total?
Recovery is generally faster after partial replacement. Most patients return to light activities within 4 to 6 weeks and achieve full recovery within 3 months, compared to 6 to 9 months for total knee replacement. The smaller incision and preservation of healthy tissue results in less post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal function.
Mr Kosuge routinely monitors his patients' outcomes using validated patient-reported outcome measures. You can review a selection of his outcome data on this website.
How long does a partial knee replacement last?
Most partial knee replacements last well over ten years. Registry data shows they are more likely than total knee replacements to need revision surgery over time, which is why careful selection matters. If a partial replacement does wear, it can usually be converted to a total knee replacement.
More Frequently Asked Questions:
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There is no strict age limit for partial knee replacement. Suitability depends on the pattern of arthritis, ligament integrity and overall knee condition rather than age alone.
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Yes. If arthritis progresses in other compartments over time, a partial knee replacement can be converted to a total knee replacement. This is one of the advantages of starting with a partial replacement where appropriate. While many patients have good results, studies suggest that converted partial knee replacements may have inferior patient-reported outcomes compared to a primary total knee replacement.
Before and after your surgery
Feeling prepared makes a real difference. Read our guide to preparing for surgery so you arrive in the best possible shape, and recovering from surgery to see what the first days, weeks and months look like.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing knee pain and would like to discuss whether a partial knee replacement may be appropriate for you, Mr Kosuge offers expert assessment at The Rivers Hospital, Sawbridgeworth and The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. Private consultations are available for self-pay and insured patients.
To book an appointment, please call 01279 602675 or use the online booking link below.
NHS referrals to The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow are also accepted via your GP.