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Partial Knee Replacement in Birmingham

Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement resurfaces only the worn compartment of the knee, preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the rest of the joint. Specialist knee surgeon Mr Shakir Hussain offers robotic-assisted partial knee replacement, including the Oxford knee, at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, giving carefully selected patients a more natural-feeling knee and faster recovery than a total knee replacement.

Illustration of partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement showing the implant resurfacing the worn medial compartment of the knee
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5,000+
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MAKO, ROSA and CORI robotic

The Procedure

What Is Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), is a surgical procedure that resurfaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while leaving the healthy parts intact. It is most commonly performed on the medial (inner) compartment, which is the most frequently affected by isolated knee arthritis.

During the operation, Mr Hussain makes a smaller incision than for a total knee replacement and resurfaces only the worn compartment, leaving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments untouched. This tissue-sparing approach is why many partial knee patients mobilise within hours and go home the same day or the next morning.

The Oxford knee, manufactured by Zimmer Biomet, is one of the most widely used medial partial knee systems in the world. Mr Hussain is trained in the Oxford knee and other unicompartmental systems.

Patient X-rays

Partial Knee Replacement: Before and After images

Before Pre-operative knee x-ray showing isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis with joint space narrowing
After Post-operative knee x-ray after partial medial knee replacement with the lateral compartment preserved

A case treated by Mr Hussain: the Before image shows isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis; the After image shows a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement, preserving the healthy lateral compartment and cruciate ligaments. Individual results vary.

Who is suitable for partial knee replacement?

Not every patient with knee arthritis is suitable for a partial replacement. The key criteria are:

  • Arthritis confined to one compartment (usually the inner side)
  • Intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  • Good range of movement, typically over 100 degrees of flexion
  • No significant fixed deformity (usually less than 15 degrees)
  • Absence of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis

If arthritis is present in two or three compartments, total knee replacement is more appropriate.

Partial vs total knee replacement

Partial knee replacement preserves more native bone and soft tissue. Patients often describe the knee feeling more natural than a total replacement. Recovery is typically faster, with many patients going home the day after surgery and returning to driving in 4 to 6 weeks.

The trade-off is that partial replacement is only appropriate for a minority of patients (roughly 20 to 25 percent of those referred for knee replacement), and there is a small risk of conversion to total replacement if arthritis progresses in other compartments over time. Studies report that around 9 in 10 partial knee replacements are still functioning well at 10 years.

Implant Types

Oxford Knee and Other Partial Knee Systems

Several partial knee implant systems are available. The most commonly used in the UK is the Oxford knee, which uses a mobile-bearing design where the plastic spacer can glide slightly, mimicking the natural movement of the knee more closely than a fixed-bearing design.

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Oxford Knee (Zimmer Biomet)

The world's most implanted unicompartmental knee. Mobile-bearing design. Available in medial and lateral versions. Extensive 30-year follow-up data.

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Medial Partial Knee

The medial (inner) compartment is the most commonly affected by isolated osteoarthritis. Medial partial replacement is the most frequently performed unicompartmental procedure.

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Patellofemoral Replacement

When arthritis is isolated to the front of the knee (the kneecap joint), patellofemoral replacement resurfaced only that compartment. See the patellofemoral replacement page for more detail.

Robotic Precision

Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement depends on precise implant positioning; even small errors in alignment can affect how the knee feels and how long the implant lasts. Mr Hussain is certified in three robotic platforms (MAKO, ROSA, and CORI) and uses robotic knee replacement technology to plan and carry out partial knee replacement with a high degree of accuracy.

A three-dimensional map of your knee is used to build a surgical plan, and during the operation the robotic system guides the bone preparation to that plan while helping to balance the soft tissues. Published studies show robotic-assisted partial knee replacement improves the accuracy of implant placement and soft-tissue balance compared with conventional technique, with high patient satisfaction reported at five and ten years. Mr Hussain offers MAKO robotic-assisted partial knee replacement at selected hospitals.

Recovery

How Quickly Do Patients Recover After Partial Knee Replacement?

Recovery from partial knee replacement is generally faster than from total knee replacement because less bone and soft tissue is disturbed. Typical milestones:

  • Day of surgery: walking with crutches, discharge often the same day or next morning
  • Week 1 to 2: wound healing, gentle exercises, walking around the house
  • Week 4 to 6: most patients stop using crutches, driving assessment
  • Week 6 to 8: return to desk work and light activities
  • 3 to 6 months: return to recreational activities and low-impact sport

Physiotherapy is still important after partial replacement. Mr Hussain provides a structured home exercise programme and outpatient follow-up to guide recovery.

Safety

Risks of Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement is a safe, well-established operation, and serious complications are uncommon. As with any surgery there are risks, which Mr Hussain discusses fully at your consultation:

  • Infection (uncommon; reduced by sterile technique and antibiotics)
  • Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (reduced by early mobilisation and clot-prevention measures)
  • Bleeding, or injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels (rare)
  • Stiffness or ongoing pain in a small number of patients
  • Periprosthetic fracture, a break in the bone around the implant (rare)
  • Progression of arthritis in the other compartments, which can later require conversion to a total knee replacement

Partial knee replacement carries a slightly higher revision rate than total knee replacement, mainly because arthritis can progress elsewhere in the knee. If a partial does later need revising, Mr Hussain also performs knee revision surgery. Careful patient selection, robotic-assisted accuracy, and an enhanced recovery protocol all help keep complication rates low.

Experience You Can Trust

Specialist Knee Replacement Care in Birmingham

Mr Hussain assesses every patient for partial knee replacement suitability at consultation. When the anatomy is right, partial replacement delivers excellent outcomes with a faster return to daily life.

Explore his published knee replacement outcomes, read verified patient reviews, or view our knee replacement fees.

5,000+
Total procedures
4.98
Doctify verified rating
ROH
Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham
33
Peer-reviewed publications

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Oxford knee replacement?+
The Oxford knee is a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement manufactured by Zimmer Biomet. It is the world's most widely implanted unicompartmental knee system, with over 30 years of clinical follow-up data. It uses a mobile-bearing design, meaning the plastic spacer can move slightly within the implant to mimic the natural movement of the knee. It is suitable for patients with arthritis isolated to the medial (inner) compartment of the knee with an intact anterior cruciate ligament.
How do I know if I am suitable for a partial knee replacement?+
Suitability for partial knee replacement depends on several factors: the arthritis must be confined to one compartment, the cruciate ligaments must be intact, the range of movement should be good, and there must be no significant fixed deformity. The best way to determine suitability is a consultation with Mr Hussain, during which weight-bearing X-rays and a clinical examination will be reviewed. Roughly 20 to 25 percent of patients referred for knee replacement are suitable for a partial procedure.
Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total knee replacement?+
Yes. If arthritis progresses to other compartments of the knee over time, a partial knee replacement can be revised to a total knee replacement. This conversion is a well-established operation and outcomes are generally good. However, it is a more complex procedure than a primary total knee replacement, so the goal is always to delay conversion as long as possible through good implant selection and activity management.
Is recovery from partial knee replacement really faster?+
For suitable patients, yes. Because only one compartment is resurfaced and the rest of the knee is undisturbed, soft-tissue healing is quicker. Many patients go home the day after surgery, stop using crutches in 4 to 6 weeks, and return to driving sooner than after total knee replacement. However, every patient is different, and recovery time depends on fitness, age, and how much rehabilitation is done.
Will my partial knee replacement feel natural?+
Most patients report that a partial knee replacement feels more natural than a total replacement. This is because the cruciate ligaments and the cartilage in the unaffected compartments are preserved, maintaining more of the normal proprioception and movement pattern of the knee. The Oxford knee's mobile-bearing design also allows a small amount of rotation that fixed-bearing implants do not.
How long does a partial knee replacement last?+
Studies report that around 9 in 10 partial knee replacements are still working well at 10 years, and many last considerably longer. Longevity is best protected by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activity. If arthritis later affects another compartment, the partial can be converted to a total knee replacement.
When can I drive after a partial knee replacement?+
Most patients return to driving around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once they can control the pedals comfortably, are off strong pain medication, and could perform an emergency stop without hesitation. Mr Hussain confirms when it is safe at your follow-up.
When can I return to work after partial knee replacement?+
Many patients in desk-based roles return after about 2 to 4 weeks, while physically demanding jobs may need 8 to 12 weeks. Because less tissue is disturbed than in a total replacement, return to work is often quicker.
Will I be awake during partial knee replacement?+
It is most commonly performed under a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs you from the waist down, usually with sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable and remember nothing of the procedure. A general anaesthetic is also an option. Your anaesthetist discusses the safest choice before surgery.
How long does partial knee replacement surgery take?+
The operation usually takes around an hour, though this varies with each patient. Because only one compartment is resurfaced, it is typically quicker than a total knee replacement.
How much does partial knee replacement cost in Birmingham?+
Fees for partial knee replacement are set out on the Fees page. The cost varies with the implant and hospital chosen. Most major insurers cover partial knee replacement when medically indicated, and self-pay packages are available. Contact Wendy Richards, Mr Hussain's secretary, for a personalised quote.
What are the risks of partial knee replacement?+
Serious complications are uncommon. Risks include infection, blood clots, bleeding or nerve injury, stiffness, fracture around the implant, and progression of arthritis in the other compartments that can require conversion to a total knee replacement. Careful patient selection and robotic accuracy help keep these risks low.
Knee Replacement Guide

Explore more about knee replacement

Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?

Book a private consultation with Mr Hussain at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, or Harborne Hospital.

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Practice Locations, Birmingham
Woodlands Suite Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Harborne Hospital HCA Healthcare Priory Hospital Edgbaston, Circle Health