Partial Knee Replacement

If you’re living with knee pain and stiffness caused by arthritis, and only part of your knee is worn, a partial knee replacement (or partial knee resurfacing) may be the perfect solution. Here at Wessex Knee Surgery, Mr Frame is dedicated to helping you regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to an active lifestyle.

​

​

🦵 What is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement focuses on replacing just the damaged part of your knee. Unlike a total knee replacement, most of your knee — including healthy cartilage and ligaments — is left intact.
We simply resurface the damaged cartilage with a thin layer of metal and plastic through a smaller incision, preserving the natural movement and feel of your knee.

​

​

✅ Key Benefits

Compared to a full knee replacement, partial knee replacement offers:

• ✅ Smaller operation with a smaller scar

• ✅ Less pain after surgery

• ✅ Shorter hospital stay & faster recovery

• ✅ Lower surgical risk & rare need for blood transfusion

• ✅ Preservation of healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments

• ✅ A more natural-feeling knee and faster return to daily life

​

​

🏥 What to Expect During Surgery

Your partial knee replacement is tailored to you — using different sizes and shapes to fit your knee perfectly.

Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthetic in a fully equipped operating theatre.

• You’ll lie comfortably on your back and a tourniquet will reduce bleeding.

• A small incision (~7 cm) is made to access the knee joint.

• Damaged ends of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) are carefully prepared.

• Trial components are inserted to check fit and movement.

• The definitive components are fixed with surgical cement (PMMA), then the wound is closed, dressed, and bandaged.

​

​

🧑‍⚕️ After Surgery

You’ll usually stay 1–2 days in hospital before going home. Our physiotherapists will help you regain movement straightaway.

• ✅ Ice, elevation, and compression will ease swelling.

• ✅ You’ll leave hospital with crutches or a walking frame and can often put full weight on the leg.

• ✅ By 6 weeks you’ll aim to have over 90 degrees of knee bend — often reaching 110–115 degrees.

• ✅ Most people can drive and walk comfortably by 6 weeks.

• ✅ Sports and more energetic pursuits can often resume around 3 months.

Your wound will usually heal quickly. You can shower as long as your dressing stays dry — we can advise on waterproof dressings.

​

​

🏡 Going Home Safely

When you go home, you’ll need to make sure your house is safe for recovery:

• Remove trip hazards and loose rugs

• Consider temporary rails in the bathroom

• Prepare a bed on the ground floor if stairs will be difficult initially

​

​

📆 Follow-Up

Your 6-week review with Mr Frame will check your progress and address any questions you have. If you experience unexplained swelling, redness, pain, or feel generally unwell, contact your GP or reach out to our team at info@wessex-knee.com.

​

​

⚠️ Risks & Complications

As with all surgery, partial knee replacement carries some risks — though serious complications are rare:

• 🩸 Infection

• 🩸 Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

• 🩸 Stiffness or limited knee movement

• 🩸 Numbness around the wound

• 🩸 Nerve or blood vessel damage

• 🩸 Implant wear or loosening over time

• 🩸 Patella or ligament problems

Mr Frame will discuss all of these with you and answer any concerns you may have before surgery.

​

​

✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?

If knee pain is holding you back and you’d like to learn whether partial knee replacement could help you, contact Wessex Knee Surgery.
Our team is here to support you — every step of the way.