Robotic Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement is similar in principle to a total knee replacement, but involves only resurfacing part of the knee that is causing the issue. This is most commonly the medial compartment (inside) of the knee, between the femur and tibia, as it most commonly bears the weight. In some instances, the lateral compartment (outside) or the patellofemoral joint are selectively impacted by arthritis and can be resurfaced.

The affected part of the joint is cut out to be replaced with metal and plastic components, protecting the healthy cartilage in the rest of the knee.

For the right patient, who has a limited likelihood of requiring future surgery for further joint degeneration, a partial knee replacement is an extremely effective operation. This is rare, and more often than not, patients would most likely have an excellent outcome with a total knee replacement. Younger active patients suffering from arthritis are also often candidates for an osteotomy, which can have equivalent or even superior outcomes to a partial knee replacement.

For the appropriate patient, Mr O’Bryan recommends a partial knee replacement and implements the same principles as those in total knee replacement; using a muscle-sparing approach and making use of robotic assistance to optimise the implantation of prosthetic components.