Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
If you’ve been managing knee arthritis and conservative treatments no longer provide relief, partial knee replacement offers an effective middle ground before considering a total replacement. This procedure targets only the damaged portion of the joint while preserving your healthy bone, cartilage, and stabilising ligaments. This guide explores whether you are a candidate for this surgery in Singapore and what to expect during your recovery journey.
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee joint. Unlike total knee replacement, which resurfaces the entire knee, this approach targets the specific area affected by arthritis while leaving healthy tissue intact.
The knee joint consists of three compartments: the medial (inner) compartment, the lateral (outer) compartment, and the patellofemoral (front) compartment between the kneecap and thighbone. Partial knee replacement addresses arthritis isolated to one of these compartments, most commonly the medial compartment.
During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces from the affected compartment and replaces them with metal and plastic components. These implants recreate a smooth, functional joint surface that supports comfortable movement.
This procedure may be suitable for patients with osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis that breaks down joint cartilage) confined to one area of the knee. By preserving the healthy portions of the joint, including the cruciate ligaments (bands of tissue that stabilise the knee), partial knee replacement can often result in more natural knee movement and sensation compared to total replacement.
Not everyone with knee arthritis is suitable for partial knee replacement. The procedure may work for patients who meet specific criteria:
Partial knee replacement may be suitable for patients whose arthritis has progressed beyond what injections or physiotherapy can manage and who wish to preserve as much natural knee structure as possible.
Certain conditions may preclude partial knee replacement:
A thorough evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon is essential for determining your suitability. This assessment typically includes physical examination, X-rays, and sometimes MRI scanning to evaluate all compartments of the knee accurately.
The medial compartment (the inner portion of the knee) is commonly affected in knee osteoarthritis. Medial partial knee replacement addresses wear on the inner aspect of the knee joint.
The procedure involves resurfacing the inner portion of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) with metal components, separated by a polyethene (medical-grade plastic) bearing. This design allows smooth, low-friction movement whilst bearing the loads of daily activities.
Arthritis sometimes affects the outer (lateral) compartment of the knee primarily. Lateral partial knee replacement follows similar principles but addresses this specific area. The biomechanics of the lateral compartment differ somewhat from the medial side, and surgeons adjust the surgical technique accordingly.
When arthritis is isolated to the front of the knee—between the kneecap and the groove in which it tracks—patellofemoral replacement may be appropriate. This procedure resurfaces the back of the kneecap and the corresponding groove on the femur whilst preserving the remainder of the joint.
Surgeons typically perform partial knee replacement through a smaller incision compared to total knee replacement. This less invasive approach means less disruption to surrounding muscles and ligaments, which may support faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
Partial knee replacement utilises established implant designs. Modern implants feature:
Some orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore utilise robotic-assisted technology for partial knee replacement. These systems provide pre-operative planning based on CT scans (detailed X-ray images) and offer intra-operative guidance to help achieve planned component positioning. Your healthcare provider can discuss whether this technology might be suitable for your situation.
Thorough preparation helps support a smooth surgical experience and recovery. In the weeks before your partial knee replacement:
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at the hospital having fasted as instructed. The anaesthesia team will discuss your options, which typically include:
The surgery itself typically takes between one and one and a half hours. Through the incision, your surgeon will:
Following surgery, the team will transfer you to the recovery area, where staff will monitor your vital signs (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels) and your pain level. Pain control is typically provided through anaesthesia and additional medications.
You’ll likely begin moving your knee on the same day as surgery. Physiotherapists will guide you through initial exercises and help you stand and take steps with walking aids. This early mobilisation supports recovery and may help reduce complications.
Hospital stay for partial knee replacement in Singapore is typically a few days, depending on your progress and individual circumstances. Before discharge, you’ll need to demonstrate safe walking with crutches or a walking frame, the ability to climb several steps, and independent management of basic activities.
You’ll receive instructions regarding wound care, medications, exercises, and warning signs to watch for. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled, usually within a couple of weeks of discharge.
The initial days after partial knee replacement focus on pain management and early mobility. Whilst you’ll experience some discomfort, this is typically managed with prescribed medications. You may notice:
Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth several times daily to help manage swelling. Keep the leg elevated when resting. Begin the gentle exercises provided by your physiotherapist, including ankle pumps (moving your foot up and down) and quadriceps contractions (tightening the muscle at the front of your thigh).
Watch for warning signs that require medical attention:
During the first week, you’ll progressively increase your activity level whilst respecting your body’s healing process. Walking with crutches or a frame remains important for safety and to avoid placing excessive stress on the healing tissues.
Your wound dressing will be kept clean and dry. Some surgeons allow showering after a few days with waterproof dressing coverage; others prefer to keep the wound completely dry until the first follow-up visit.
Continue prescribed exercises consistently. These typically include:
By the end of the first week, many patients walk more comfortably with support and notice daily improvements in pain and swelling.
The recovery trajectory following partial knee replacement varies based on individual health factors.
Outcomes vary and depend significantly on appropriate patient selection. Your surgeon will determine whether partial knee replacement is suitable for you based on your specific condition, knee damage pattern, and overall health. The benefits may be evident when you have been properly selected as a candidate and when the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. For suitable candidates, partial knee replacement may offer several advantages:
Healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are retained, maintaining more natural knee biomechanics (the way your knee naturally moves and functions)
Reduced tissue disruption typically means less post-operative pain
Partial knee replacement may achieve greater flexion (bending ability) than total replacement
Retaining healthy bone may make future revision surgery (a procedure to replace or repair the original implant), if ever needed, more straightforward
Less surgical trauma generally results in less bleeding
Patients can often return to recreational activities,s including golf, cycling, hiking, and swimming
As with any surgical procedure, partial knee replacement carries certain risks. Understanding these allows you to make an informed decision and recognise any problems early.
Patients may experience some temporary effects that resolve during normal recovery:
Less common complications require awareness and prompt attention if they occur:
The risk of complications may be reduced through careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate post-operative care. Choosing a qualified orthopaedic surgeon familiar with partial knee replacement techniques is important for outcomes.
Cost Considerations
The cost of partial knee replacement in Singapore varies based on several factors:
A comprehensive treatment package typically includes:
For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation, a consultation with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon is recommended. During this visit, you can discuss all aspects of care and receive a detailed cost breakdown based on your individual needs and circumstances. You can use Medisave for a portion of the surgical costs at approved facilities.
Partial knee replacement implants have demonstrated longevity in clinical use. Implant survival depends on several factors, including patient activity levels, body weight, component positioning, and the condition of the remaining knee compartments. Your orthopaedic surgeon can provide personalised advice and discuss realistic expectations based on your individual circumstances. Should the prosthesis eventually require revision, the preserved bone and ligaments often allow conversion to total knee replacement.
Partial knee replacement addresses only the damaged compartment of the knee whilst preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and all ligaments,s including the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament, which provides stability to the knee). Total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments and removes the cruciate ligaments. Partial replacement may offer faster recovery and a better range of motion. However, it is only suitable for patients with arthritis confined to one compartment. Total knee replacement may be necessary when arthritis affects multiple areas of the knee or when ligaments are compromised.
Patients may begin walking with support on the same day as surgery or the following day. Initial walking uses crutches or a walking frame for stability and protection. Over the following weeks, you’ll progressively transition to a cane and then to walking unaided. Recovery times vary. Early mobilisation is encouraged as it supports recovery and may help reduce complication risks.
Patients may regain the ability to kneel following partial knee replacement, though outcomes vary. Kneeling may feel different due to the prosthesis and scar tissue. Some patients find using a cushioned surface more comfortable. There is no medical reason to avoid kneeling once fully recovered, though some patients choose to limit this activity for comfort reasons. Your surgeon can discuss your specific activity goals during your consultation.
Pain levels vary between individuals. However, partial knee replacement may involve less post-operative pain than total knee replacement due to the smaller incision and reduced tissue disruption. Pain management protocols, including nerve blocks (injections that temporarily numb the area), oral medications, and ice therapy, can help control discomfort. The first few days typically involve discomfort, with improvement by the end of the first week. Pain typically decreases steadily throughout recovery.
Yes, partial knee replacement can be converted to total knee replacement if necessary. This may become relevant if arthritis progresses in the remaining compartments or if issues develop with the partial replacement. One advantage of partial knee replacement is that it preserves bone and ligaments, which may make any future conversion surgery more straightforward. Conversion from partial to total knee replacement may achieve outcomes comparable to primary total knee replacement in some cases.
Return to driving depends on several factors, including which knee was operated on, whether you drive an automatic or manual vehicle, your overall recovery progress, and your pain medication requirements. For automatic vehicles and left knee surgery, some patients resume driving within a few weeks. Right knee surgery typically requires several weeks before driving may be safe. You should be able to perform an emergency stop comfortably and should not be taking strong pain medications that affect concentration. Your surgeon can provide personalised advice based on your specific recovery.
Following full recovery, patients may return to an active lifestyle, including walking, swimming, cycling, golf, dancing, and light hiking. The preserved ligaments and more natural knee mechanics may allow a range of activities. High-impact activities such as running and jumping are generally discouraged as they may accelerate wear on the prosthesis. Your orthopaedic surgeon can provide guidance specific to your situation and activity goals.
Partial knee replacement represents a surgical option for patients with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. By replacing only the damaged portion whilst preserving healthy tissue, this procedure may offer faster recovery and more natural knee function for appropriately selected patients.
The success of partial knee replacement depends significantly on accurate patient selection and surgical expertise. If you're experiencing knee pain that limits your quality of life and conservative treatments—such as physiotherapy, pain medication, or lifestyle modifications- are no longer sufficient, a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon can help determine whether partial knee replacement might be suitable for your situation.
With proper care and realistic expectations, patients may achieve meaningful improvement in pain, function, and quality of life.
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
Internationally Recognised & Double Fellowship-Trained Surgeon With Over 18 Years of Experience
As a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and former Head of the Hip and Knee Division in Ng Teng Fong Hospital, he has won awards for superior patient outcomes (value driven), service quality and enhanced recovery programmes. His patients include current and former national athletes and sporting professionals.
Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards
Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence
Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience
We are dedicated to your recovery and well-being. Every patient deserves the freedom that comes with active living. Whether you're an athlete sidelined by an injury or a weekend hobbyist desperate to return to your passion, our mission is to help you regain your mobility and independence.
Our clinic prioritizes time dedicated to understanding each patient’s injuries and needs. Dr Wang strongly believes that personalised care & patient management will lead to better outcomes & positive experiences.
Dr Wang’s extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures allows for less scarring, lower risk of complications and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
As an avid sportsperson, Dr Wang understands the time and patience required to regain mobility and return to active living. After your procedure is completed, Dr Wang will make sure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.
We accept all patients, with or without insurance plans. Additionally, we are on the specialist panels of these Health Networks/Insurance Plans. Please contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to assist you in checking with your insurance provider.
