Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement

At UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, our orthopedic surgeons are experts in both partial (unicompartmental) and total knee replacements, which can each provide excellent long-term results.

Partial Knee Replacement: The Patient Experience

Learn about partial knee replacement, from the decision to have surgery through recovery, from a patient's perspective. This series of six videos walk through the experience.

 Watch our partial knee replacement video series

Partial Knee Replacement Candidates

Patients with less advanced arthritis of the knee may be candidates for partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement. Patients receiving partial knee replacements often experience less pain and recover more quickly than patients who receive total knee replacements.

Each knee is different and the decision to proceed with partial (unicompartmental) vs. total knee replacement depends on the severity of arthritis, stiffness and deformity (crookedness). Each patient will need to discuss the specifics of his or her case with the orthopedic surgeon.

Gender-specific knee replacement is also available, offering improved ability to custom fit a knee replacement for specific patients - particularly for women.

Animation: Partial Knee Replacement