Do you need a referral for partial knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement treats damage limited to one compartment of the knee. An orthopaedic surgeon assesses your pain, movement, stability, alignment and activity limits, then reviews imaging and other health factors. The assessment determines whether a partial replacement is suitable or whether another option would better address the joint changes.

Start by asking your primary-care doctor or an orthopaedic service how referrals are handled in your setting. Describe how long symptoms have affected walking, stairs, work or sleep, and list treatments already tried. Take imaging reports, previous operation details and your medication list if available. A referral does not commit you to surgery; it begins a discussion about choices, preparation and recovery.

Get prompt medical advice for a hot, very swollen knee with fever, sudden inability to bear weight, a major injury with deformity, or a newly locked knee. Seek urgent help for calf swelling or breathlessness after an operation or while awaiting care.

Ask whether your symptoms and scans suggest disease in one knee compartment, what referral is required, which alternatives remain, and how existing conditions or medicines could affect preparation.