Partial Knee Replacement
Written by: Dr. Popovitz.
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center | FAAOS
Co-Founder, NY Bone & Joint Specialists | Lenox Hill Hospital - Northwell Health
Recognized: New York Magazine Best Doctor | New York Times Super Doctor | IAOS Leading Physician of the World | IAOS Top Orthopedic Surgeon in New York
Date Published: July 24, 2018
Last Updated: October 25, 2018
Last Medically Reviewed: October 25, 2018
This page has been written and reviewed by a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience. All clinical claims are supported by peer-reviewed literature and current AAOS and AOSSM guidelines. See References section below.
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Surgery performed at Lenox Hill Hospital - Northwell Health
WHAT IS PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?
A partial knee replacement consists of the removal of some of the knee joint, and the insertion of an artificial prosthesis in its stead. In contrast to a total knee replacement, only damaged tissues and structures are removed, with any healthy bone and cartilage left intact. As a result, it’s often an ideal treatment for less advanced cases of osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions affecting the knee.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Partial knee replacement is a less invasive procedure, requiring only small incisions into the skin surrounding the affected part of the knee. During the procedure, the surgeon removes any damaged bone or cartilage from the tibia or femur, then inserts a metal or plastic implant molded to the shape of the patient’s joint.
After securely attaching the implant to the bone and realigning surrounding tissues and structures as needed, your surgeon will seal the incisions and dress them appropriately to ensure a quick recovery.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT RECOVERY & RECOVERY TIMES
Partial Knee Replacement Recovery

Because it’s a less invasive procedure than a total knee replacement, partial knee replacement comes with shorter recovery timelines and a reduced risk of surgical complications. While most patients need to remain in the hospital for several days after the procedure, you’ll be able to walk with few restrictions as soon as you’re discharged. Physical therapy can also begin within a few days of surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement Recovery Time
While the recovery period for patients with a partially replaced knee can vary, it is generally much shorter than that necessitated by a complete replacement. Indeed, most patients can resume normal activities after three to six weeks. Complete recovery should follow after eight to ten weeks of physical therapy.
With over two decades of combined experience in knee replacement surgery, the team of specialists at New York Bone and Joint can usher you through the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final follow-up. Specializing in osteoarthritis and other degenerative disorders, we can quickly identify any condition affecting your knees and devise a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet in no time.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Popovitz.
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Orthopedic Doctor Upper East Side NYC — New York Bone & Joint Specialists
130 E 67th St New York, NY 10065Physician appointments: Mon–Fri 8:00am–6pm, Sat 8:30am–4:30pm
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