Certainties

• Less invasive
• Lower complication rate
• Faster recovery
• Better function (ROM)
• Easier revision to a total knee prosthesis

We now know a lot about partial knee replacement. When compared with a total knee replacement, it is a less invasive operation. It therefore has smaller risk of complications (serious complications can still happen, but less frequently); the stay in the hospital and the recovery time is shorter.

The functioning of the knee after a successful partial replacement typically is better when compared with a total knee. When a total knee fails, replacing it is usually a relatively big operation. If a partial replacement should fail, it is easier to convert it to a primary total knee. It is for these reasons that a partial knee replacement is the more appealing option.