Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery

Unicompartmental knee replacement surgery is a modern treatment method for selected forms of knee osteoarthritis. The procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint without removing the entire joint. In most cases, degenerative changes affect the medial compartment of the knee, less commonly the lateral compartment.

Because the procedure is less extensive, more of the natural joint structures can be preserved. For many patients, this means a faster return to mobility and a more natural feeling while walking compared to total knee replacement.

When Should You Consider a Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?

Knee osteoarthritis may develop gradually over a long period of time. Initially, symptoms appear during greater physical activity, but over time pain may also occur while walking, climbing stairs, or even at rest.

The most common symptoms include:

• pain on one side of the knee,
• joint stiffness,
• limited range of motion,
• difficulty walking,
• a feeling of knee instability,
• swelling appearing after physical activity.

The first stage of treatment is usually conservative management, including rehabilitation, medications, intra-articular injections, and modification of physical activity. However, if symptoms continue to interfere with everyday functioning, the orthopedic specialist may consider surgical treatment.

Who Is a Candidate for Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?

Unicompartmental knee replacement is primarily performed in patients whose degenerative changes affect only one compartment of the knee joint — most commonly the medial compartment. The procedure may be a good option for patients experiencing chronic knee pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking despite conservative treatment.

Patients who maintain good ligament stability and proper knee range of motion are most often qualified for surgery. Final qualification always takes place during an orthopedic consultation and is based on the physical examination and imaging results.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

During the operation, the surgeon removes only the damaged part of the knee joint while preserving healthy structures, ligaments, and the remaining compartments of the joint. The surfaces of the femur and tibia are then prepared for placement of the implant.

During the procedure, the doctor also assesses proper joint alignment and knee stability. Once the correct implant positioning is confirmed, the final prosthesis is implanted and the wound is closed.

Because the procedure is less extensive, it is considered less invasive than total knee replacement surgery.

Unicompartmental vs. Total Knee Replacement – What Is the Difference?

Unlike total knee replacement surgery, unicompartmental replacement involves replacing only the damaged part of the joint. The remaining knee structures are preserved, allowing for more natural knee biomechanics.

The main advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement include:

• less extensive surgery,
• reduced tissue trauma,
• shorter hospital stay,
• faster return to daily activities,
• more natural knee movement,
• shorter rehabilitation period in selected patients.

However, not every patient qualifies for this type of treatment. In cases of advanced degenerative changes affecting the entire knee joint, total knee replacement may be necessary.

What Are the Benefits of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement?

The main advantages of the procedure include:

• preservation of a greater portion of the natural joint,
• less surgical trauma,
• faster postoperative mobilization,
• shorter hospital stay,
• quicker return to everyday activities,
• more natural joint function after surgery.

For many patients, the procedure allows them to return to activities that were previously limited by chronic knee pain.

How Should You Prepare for Surgery?

Before surgery, appropriate diagnostics and orthopedic qualification are required. Patients undergo laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and specialist consultations if they suffer from chronic conditions.

It is also very important to:

• treat any dental infections or inflammatory conditions,
• control chronic diseases,
• review current medications with the physician,
• prepare the body for rehabilitation,
• reduce excess body weight if necessary.

Proper preparation for surgery can significantly improve the safety of the procedure and the speed of recovery.

Rehabilitation After Surgery

Rehabilitation usually begins on the first day after surgery. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, the patient learns proper walking techniques and performs initial exercises to improve joint mobility.

During the following weeks, rehabilitation focuses on:

• rebuilding muscle strength,
• improving knee stability,
• increasing range of motion,
• learning proper weight-bearing techniques.

Regular physiotherapy is one of the most important factors influencing the final treatment outcome.

Return to Everyday Activity

Many patients notice an improvement in quality of life within the first weeks after surgery. However, the return to full mobility depends on many factors, including the patient’s age, level of activity before surgery, and commitment to rehabilitation.

After completing treatment, patients often return to walking, cycling, and moderate physical activity without the pain that previously limited everyday functioning.

Orthopedic Consultation and Qualification for Surgery

If knee pain interferes with your everyday life, it is worth consulting an orthopedic specialist. During the visit, the doctor will assess the severity of degenerative changes, analyze examination results, and recommend the most appropriate treatment method. For selected patients, unicompartmental knee replacement may be an effective way to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Private Knee Surgery at Mediss Medical

At Mediss Medical, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care for patients requiring surgical treatment of the knee joint. We offer modern treatment methods, an individual approach, and support at every stage of therapy – from diagnostics to postoperative rehabilitation.

Our goal is effective pain relief, improved mobility, and the fastest possible return to everyday activity.

Schedule an Orthopedic Consultation

If you are struggling with chronic knee pain or limited joint mobility, contact us and schedule an orthopedic consultation with orthopedic and trauma specialist Dr. Grzegorz Iwańczak.

To schedule your consultation, call: 888 300 301 or contact us by email: recepcja@medissmedical.pl

Our team will help you choose the best treatment method and guide you through the entire diagnostic and surgical treatment process.

You can find us in Gdańsk Wrzeszcz, ul. Szymanowskiego 2

We encourage you to review the FAQ section at the bottom of the page, where we have prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding knee replacement surgery.

We explain, among other things, when surgery should be considered, what the qualification process looks like, how long rehabilitation takes, and what patients can expect after treatment. It is a practical knowledge base created for patients who want to calmly and consciously prepare for surgery and the recovery process.