◉ German Board Certified◉ FIFA Diploma◉ DKG◉ AGA◉ GOTS
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Yousef Muhammad — Orthopaedic SurgeonPhone +966 11 522 2222
Procedure Guide

Partial Knee Replacement

Replace only what is worn. Keep the rest.

When arthritis is confined to one compartment, only that surface is resurfaced. Ligaments and healthy cartilage stay untouched — which is why a partial knee feels more natural and recovers faster.

Partial Knee Replacement — 3D AnimationPartial Knee Replacement — 3D Animation (1:10)See how the procedure is performed step-by-step in this animation.
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Learn about the procedure

Watch. Understand. Feel Confident.

Partial Knee Replacement — 3D Animation1:10

Partial Knee Replacement — 3D Animation

See how the procedure is performed step-by-step in this animation.

Unicompartmental Technique (Real Footage)1:04

Unicompartmental Technique (Real Footage)

For medical professionals: the surgical technique of a partial knee replacement, step by step.

For Medical Professionals
Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement1:18

Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement

Walking on day one, driving, and the return to golf, cycling and hiking.

Bone Preserving
1–2 Nights Stay
60–75 Minutes
Natural Feel

Surgical Steps (Overview)

1
Compartment Confirmation

Imaging and examination confirm the other compartments are healthy.

2
Small Approach

A short incision spares the extensor mechanism.

3
Precise Resurfacing

Only the worn femoral and tibial surfaces are prepared.

4
Implant Placement

Compact components are aligned to your own ligaments.

5
Balance Check

Motion and stability are tested through the full arc.

Recovery Timeline (Step by Step)

Day 1Standing and walking with support · Pain protocol · Discharge planning
Week 1–2Walking without aids for most patients · Motion and swelling control
Week 3–6Strengthening · Cycling · Return to office work and driving
Week 6–12Full daily activity · Hiking · Golf and swimming
Month 3–6Full function · Low-impact sport without limits*
Overview

A partial replacement preserves the cruciate ligaments and the healthy compartments. That retained anatomy is what patients describe as a knee that feels like their own rather than an implant.

Patient selection is everything: the arthritis must be truly isolated, the ligaments intact and the deformity correctable. Where that holds, results are excellent and recovery is markedly quicker than a total replacement.

Is a partial knee replacement right for you?
  • Arthritis limited to one compartment on X-ray
  • Pain localised to the inner or outer side
  • Intact ligaments and good range of motion
  • Wish for a faster recovery and a natural-feeling knee
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Preparing for surgery
  • Imaging assessmentWeight-bearing X-rays, sometimes MRI, to confirm suitability
  • PrehabilitationStronger muscles before surgery mean faster walking after
  • Home preparationClear walkways, arrange help for the first days
  • Medical reviewDental and general health check, medication review
“

A partial knee, in the right knee, is one of the most satisfying operations in orthopaedics — patients forget they have an implant. The skill lies in selecting the patient honestly, not in the implant itself.

Dr. Yousef Muhammad
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Yousef Muhammad

Questions & Answers

How long does a partial knee last?
Modern implants have excellent long-term survival, with the large majority still functioning well at fifteen years. Revision to a total replacement remains straightforward if needed.
Is recovery really faster?
Yes. Less bone and soft tissue is disturbed, so most patients walk unaided within one to two weeks and return to daily activity considerably sooner.
Can arthritis develop in the other compartments?
It can progress over time. If it does, conversion to a total knee replacement is a well-established option.
What activities are allowed?
Walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, golf and doubles tennis are all fine. Repeated high impact is discouraged.
Will I know it is there?
Most patients report the knee feels natural, because the ligaments and the rest of the joint are preserved.
Am I too young for this?
Partial replacement is often the better choice for younger arthritis patients precisely because it preserves bone and options.

Note: This information is for general education only and should not replace a consultation with your doctor.

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