Which specialist performs partial knee replacement?

A partial, or unicompartmental, knee replacement treats the worn area while retaining suitable parts of the knee. The orthopaedic surgeon reviews pain, movement, alignment, stability, imaging, and the condition of the remaining compartments. Not every painful knee is suitable; the decision depends on the whole joint and your general health. Anaesthesia staff and hospital nurses support the operation, while a physiotherapist helps with recovery.

At the appointment, describe which activities cause pain, whether the knee gives way, and what non-surgical care you have tried. Take your medicine list and any previous imaging. Ask what the surgeon is looking for on examination, whether another operation might be more appropriate, and what movement and walking goals are expected after surgery. Pre-operative instructions may include arranging help at home and planning exercises.

Before surgery, urgent assessment is appropriate for a suddenly swollen, hot knee with fever, a major injury with inability to bear weight, or a leg that becomes pale, cold, or severely painful. After surgery, contact the surgical team promptly for worsening wound redness, drainage, fever, new calf swelling, or sudden breathlessness.

Ask whether your arthritis is confined to one compartment, what the operation will address, which implant design is planned, and how rehabilitation will be organised. Clarify restrictions, wound care, pain relief, and the symptoms that should trigger a call to the hospital.