Partial Knee Replacement
Only the diseased compartment of the knee is resurfaced while the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are preserved — delivering a faster recovery and a more natural-feeling joint than full replacement.
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement — technically known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty — targets only the worn compartment of the knee, most often the medial (inner) side. The untouched compartments, cruciate ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues remain completely intact. This selective approach requires a smaller incision, causes less surgical disruption, and produces a knee that many patients describe as closer to natural compared to a total replacement. Dr. Sai Kishan performs partial knee replacement at Lux Hospitals for patients in whom thorough assessment confirms that the disease is genuinely confined to one compartment.
Appropriate for patients with confirmed single-compartment knee arthritis — predominantly the medial compartment — who have functioning cruciate ligaments, a reducible alignment deformity, and no significant disease in the remaining knee compartments.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Setup
Spinal or general anaesthesia is administered; the knee is positioned and the operative field is prepared for a minimally invasive approach.
Limited Surgical Exposure
A smaller incision than total replacement exposes only the diseased compartment, preserving surrounding muscle attachments and tissue planes.
Compartment Resection
The worn femoral condyle and tibial plateau surfaces are precisely resected using guided cutting instruments calibrated to restore correct alignment.
Component Sizing & Fixation
Trial components confirm correct sizing, ligament balance, and movement before the final metal and polyethylene implants are secured in position.
Closure & Early Mobilisation
The wound is closed and the patient begins standing and walking — often on the day of surgery or the morning after.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Targets only the damaged area — all healthy joint structures are untouched
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Smaller incision, reduced blood loss, and less post-operative discomfort
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Most patients return to full activity within 6–10 weeks of surgery
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The preserved ligaments produce a more natural knee movement pattern
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If arthritis extends later, conversion to total replacement remains straightforward
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Preferred option for active, younger patients with isolated compartment disease
Partial knee replacement offers something total replacement cannot — preservation of the natural knee. For the right patient, it is a smaller operation that delivers an outstanding outcome and a quicker return to normal life.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Partial Knee Replacement (UKR) in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,20,000, with an average cost of around ₹2,50,000. The final expense may vary depending on the extent of knee arthritis, implant selection, surgical technique, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation requirements.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single-compartment arthritis | ₹1,80,000 ₹3,20,000 |
Partial knee replacement is generally considered when arthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee and the remaining joint structures are suitable for the procedure. Final treatment selection depends on clinical examination, imaging findings, ligament stability, alignment and overall knee condition.
Factors Affecting Partial Knee Replacement Cost
The overall cost of UKR depends on the extent and location of arthritis, implant selection, surgical requirements and the level of post-operative care and rehabilitation needed.
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Location and severity of osteoarthritis and whether it is limited to a single compartment of the knee
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Condition of the remaining knee compartments and the quality of the surrounding cartilage
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Stability of the major knee ligaments, particularly the ACL, and overall knee alignment
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Type, design, brand and specifications of the partial knee replacement implant
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Pre-operative X-rays, blood tests and other investigations required to assess suitability for UKR
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and specialised surgical equipment charges
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Hospitalisation, medications, nursing care and post-operative monitoring
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Physiotherapy, mobilisation and structured rehabilitation following surgery
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Follow-up consultations, imaging and any additional treatment required during recovery
Insurance Coverage for Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement performed for a medically necessary knee condition may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm implant coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, is recommended to evaluate patients with knee osteoarthritis who may be candidates for partial knee replacement. The doctor can assess the extent of arthritis and determine whether UKR or another treatment option is appropriate. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty with walking or daily activities X-rays and other imaging findings to determine which compartment of the knee is affected Condition of the remaining compartments and the extent of cartilage preservation Knee alignment and ligament stability to assess suitability for partial replacement Activity level, functional requirements and expectations from treatment Appropriate implant options and the expected recovery, mobilisation and rehabilitation plan
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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