Mr Jaison Patel
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Total, partial and revision knee replacement
View Mr Jaison Patel’s profile →Welcome to Transform Medical
Your knee has three main parts: the inner side, the outer side and the joint between the kneecap and the thigh bone. Arthritis sometimes affects just one of these. A partial knee replacement replaces only the worn part with a small implant, usually made of metal and plastic, and keeps the healthy parts of your own knee. It is also called a unicompartmental or half knee replacement.
A partial knee replacement may be an option if your arthritis is mostly in one part of the knee, the ligaments inside your knee are healthy and stable, and your knee still moves reasonably well. It is often not suitable if arthritis affects more than one part of the knee, or if key ligaments are damaged. In those cases, a total knee replacement may be advised.
You can’t tell from symptoms alone. Your consultant will examine your knee and look at your scans, such as X rays and sometimes an MRI scan. Then they will explain which option they would advise, and why. The decision is made together with you.
Both operations aim to ease pain and help you move more easily. These are general comparisons, and your own experience may differ. For a fuller comparison, read our partial vs total knee replacement blog.
Replaces only the worn part of the knee. Usually a smaller cut, often a shorter hospital stay and many people recover more quickly. Some people say the knee feels more natural.
Replaces the surfaces of the whole joint. Usually a larger cut, and recovery often takes longer. Many people are very satisfied, though the knee may feel different.
Registry data shows partial knee replacements are revised (redone or changed) more often than total knee replacements. Your consultant will talk you through the balance for your knee.
BACK TO WALKING WITHOUT KNEE PAIN
After years of worsening knee pain and a long wait for surgery, our patient chose private knee replacement at Transform Medical. Following treatment, pain was relieved, mobility improved, and they were able to return to weekly walking groups and regular 5 and 10 mile walks.
Knee replacement patient story
“I'm back walking with my group as I was before.”
In his published story, our knee replacement patient describes returning to the group walks he enjoys.
Read his knee replacement story
This is one patient's experience. Results and recovery vary, and surgery is not suitable for everyone.
BACK TO WALKING
WITHOUT KNEE PAIN
After years of worsening knee pain and a long wait for surgery, our patient chose private knee replacement at Transform Medical. Following treatment, pain was relieved, mobility improved, and they were able to return to weekly walking groups and regular 5 and 10 mile walks.
Knee replacement patient story
“I'm back walking with my group as I was before.”
In his published story, our knee replacement patient describes returning to the group walks he enjoys.
Read his knee replacement story
This is one patient's experience. Results and recovery vary, and surgery is not suitable for everyone.
Only the worn part is replaced, so the healthy parts of your knee are kept.
A smaller cut and often a shorter stay in hospital than a total knee replacement.
Many people recover more quickly, supported by physiotherapy. Recovery still takes time and varies from person to person.
Some people say the knee feels more natural afterwards, as more of the knee is kept.
A partial knee replacement isn’t right for everyone, and like any surgery it carries risks. Your consultant will talk these through with you before you decide.
A partial knee replacement is more likely to need further surgery later than a total knee replacement. If revision is needed, it can often be changed to a total knee replacement.
Arthritis can develop in other parts of the knee over time.
As with all surgery, there is a risk of infection and blood clots. Your team will explain how these risks are reduced, such as blood thinning medicine and moving early.
Some people have stiffness that improves with time and rehabilitation. Results also depend on careful selection and surgeon experience.
The National Joint Registry collects information on knee replacements across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. A study using this data looked at nearly 15,000 matched Oxford partial knee replacements. After 10 years, 90% of cemented and 93% of cementless implants had not needed to be revised. In simple terms, around nine in ten were still in place.
Partial knee replacements are revised more often than total knee replacements. Another analysis of National Joint Registry data found that, at 10 years, revision rates after partial knee replacement were about 2.5 times higher than would be expected after a total knee replacement.
These are averages, and they can’t predict what will happen to you. No implant lasts a set number of years. Results also vary with how experienced the surgeon is with this operation, which is one good question to ask at your consultation.
Meet five of our consultant surgeons who perform partial knee replacement. Explore their profiles or browse our full team. Your care team will confirm availability and the most suitable consultant for your needs.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Total, partial and revision knee replacement
View Mr Jaison Patel’s profile →
Consultant Knee Surgeon
Partial, total and revision knee replacement
View Mr Jon Palmer’s profile →
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee & Sports Injuries Surgeon
Partial, total and revision knee replacement
View Mr Graham Walsh’s profile →Consultant Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon
Total and partial knee replacement
View Mr Padmanabh Phaltankar’s profile →Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Total and partial knee replacement
View Mr Amit Kumar’s profile →Also performing partial knee replacement: Mr Karl Martyn Bell, Mr Kevin Conn, Mr Anil Gambhir, Mr David McKenna, Mr Akshay Mehra, Mr Ravi Pydisetty, Mr Manju Ramappa, Dr Raghavendra Sidaginamale.
Before surgery, an anaesthetist will talk to you about your options. The operation often takes around one to two hours. Your surgeon will explain exactly how they do it, but it usually follows these steps.
Many people have a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs the lower body, often with sedation. Others have a general anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will advise.
A cut is made over the knee to reach the joint. It is usually smaller than for a total knee replacement.
Only the damaged surface in the affected part of the knee is removed. The healthy parts are kept.
A small implant, usually made of metal and plastic, is fitted to the prepared surfaces.
The wound is closed and dressed. Many people are helped to stand and take their first steps within hours, or the next day.
Our nationwide locations are designed to give you convenient access to trusted surgeons, modern facilities, and ongoing support every step of the way
You pay one fixed price for your partial knee replacement, confirmed in writing before you commit to surgery. There are no hidden fees, so you know exactly what is covered from the start.
Use our quick price check to see your price, or book a free consultation to talk it through with our team.
Want to know what a partial knee replacement costs? Our guide to how much a private knee replacement costs in the UK explains typical 2026 prices and what should be included.
You can also read about paying for your surgery, how private and NHS knee replacement compare, current NHS waiting times and the true cost of surgery abroad.
Swelling and some pain, which your team helps you manage. Short walks, often with crutches or a stick, and gentle exercises several times a day.
Walking becomes easier and the distance builds up. Swelling slowly eases. Many people are told to keep up their exercises and attend physiotherapy. Your surgeon will advise on driving.
Many people are doing more day to day, such as longer walks and light activity, and by 3 months feel much more settled, with fewer aids. Some swelling or tightness can last longer. Our knee recovery time guide and prehab exercises blog have more detail.
Contact your surgical team if you notice signs of infection, such as a hot, red or leaking wound or a high temperature, or signs of a blood clot, such as calf pain or swelling. Call 999 for chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
Before your surgery, you will undergo a thorough medical assessment to ensure you are fit for the procedure. This includes tests and consultations to help your surgical team plan the best approach for your individual condition.
Our team will explain the procedure in detail, discuss your options, and provide information on pricing and payment plans.
You will receive expert care during your hospital stay, followed by a tailored rehabilitation plan designed to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
After your surgery, our dedicated aftercare team will be available to offer guidance and support throughout your recovery. Regular follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your normal activities.
It is an operation that replaces only the worn part of the knee with an implant, keeping the healthy parts. It is also called a unicompartmental or half knee replacement. Your consultant will advise if it is suitable for you.
It varies. Many people recover more quickly than after a total knee replacement, with steady improvement over the first few weeks and months. Some people carry on improving for longer. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you.
No one can say for certain. National Joint Registry data suggests that around nine in ten partial knee replacements had not been revised after 10 years. Results vary from person to person, and revision is more common than after a total knee replacement.
The main one is a higher chance of further surgery later, compared with a total knee replacement. It also isn’t suitable for everyone, and arthritis may develop in other parts of the knee. Your consultant will talk you through the risks.
In many cases, yes. If a partial knee replacement needs to be revised, it can often be changed to a total knee replacement. Your surgeon will explain whether this would be possible for you.
There is no guarantee either way. Some people report an easier early recovery after a partial knee replacement, because the operation is smaller. But pain after surgery varies from person to person, and your team will help you manage it.
