Knee pain that limits your morning walk, makes climbing stairs a struggle, or forces you to cut short family outings - it's exhausting. But not every knee requires a complete overhaul. If the damage is limited to one part of your knee, a partial knee replacement could restore your movement with less surgery, faster recovery, and a more natural feel.
Dr. Supreet Bajwa, Fellowship-Trained Hip & Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, has helped hundreds of patients make this decision wisely. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement - also called unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) - replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee rather than the entire joint. The knee has three compartments:
- Medial compartment (inner side) - most commonly affected
- Lateral compartment (outer side)
- Patellofemoral compartment (front, between kneecap and thighbone)
In a partial replacement, only the diseased section is resurfaced with a small implant. Then healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the rest of the knee remain completely intact.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Partial knee replacement works best for a specific type of patient. Dr. Bajwa typically recommends it when:
- Arthritis is confined to a single compartment (confirmed on X-ray or MRI)
- The patient is under 65, active, and has a healthy BMI
- The knee ligaments - especially the ACL - are intact
- Pain is primarily on one side of the knee, not all around
- Conservative treatments (physiotherapy, injections) have been tried and failed
Patients with inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid), obesity, or significant deformity are generally better suited for total knee replacement.
Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Key Differences
| Feature | Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Bone removed | One compartment only | All three surfaces |
| Recovery time | 1–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| Hospital stay | 1–2 days | 2–4 days |
| Feel of the knee | More natural | Slightly mechanical |
| Longevity | 15–20 years | 25–30 years |
| Suitable for | Single-compartment OA | Widespread arthritis |
Partial Knee Replacement Cost in Mumbai
The cost of partial knee replacement in Mumbai typically depends on:
- Type of implant - Standard, high-flex, or premium brand implants
- Hospital grade - Day-care facility vs multi-specialty hospital
- Surgeon's expertise - Fellowship-trained specialists may charge more, but outcomesjustify the difference
- Room category - General, semi-private, or private ward
- Investigations - Pre-operative blood work, X-rays, MRI
Most health insurance policies in India cover partial knee replacement under orthopaedic procedures. Dr. Bajwa's team at Wockhardt Hospital (Mira Road & Mumbai Central) assists patients with pre-authorisation and insurance documentation
What Does the Procedure Involve?
- Pre-operative planning - X-rays and MRI confirm which compartment is affected
- Anaesthesia - Usually spinal anaesthesia; you are awake but pain-free below the waist
- Surgery (45–90 minutes) - A smaller incision than total knee replacement; only the damaged surface is removed and replaced
- Recovery room - 2-4 hours of monitoring
- Walking the same day - Most patients stand and take steps within hours of surgery
Recovery Timeline
Day 1: Hospital stay. Physiotherapy begins on day one. You will walk with support.
Days 1–3: walk home without support. Ice, elevation, and prescribed exercises are key.
Week 3–6: Most patients return to daily activities.
Month 2: Return to low-impact activities - swimming, cycling, light walking.
Month 3: Full recovery. Many patients report being unable to tell they had surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Supreet Bajwa for Partial Knee Replacement in Mumbai?
Fellowship-trained in Australia, Dr. Supreet Bajwa is one of India's leading hip and knee specialists, 12+ years, 3300+ surgeries, 35+ research publications.
He brought the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) to India, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai performing Cooled RFA, and uses Robotic Knee Surgery for precision most patients never knew was possible.
No long recovery. No unnecessary restrictions. Most patients walk within hours.
📍 Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central & Mira Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is partial knee replacement painful?
Discomfort is significantly less than total knee replacement. Most patients are surprised at how quickly they feel comfortable after surgery.
How long does a partial knee implant last?
Modern partial knee implants last 15-20 years with appropriate activity. Avoiding high-impact sports protects longevity.
Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total replacement later?
Yes. If arthritis progresses to other compartments over time, conversion to a total knee replacement is a well-established procedure with good outcomes.
Is partial knee replacement covered by insurance?
Most insurance policies cover it. Dr. Bajwa's team will verify your coverage before surgery.
What activities can I do after partial knee replacement?
Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and travel are all possible. High-impact sports like running or jumping are best avoided.
Book a Consultation: If you have knee pain primarily on one side and want to know whetherpartial knee replacement is right for you, contact Dr. Supreet Bajwa at Wockhardt Hospital,Mumbai Central. Call or WhatsApp: +91 9820727046