What should you know about Zuk partial knee replacement?

The knee has compartments that share movement and load. A partial replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, replaces the worn compartment with a metal component and a plastic bearing. The remaining compartments and key ligaments are retained when they are healthy enough. Zuk is a device name; your surgeon chooses the implant after examining your knee and reviewing imaging.

Knee osteoarthritis may affect one compartment more than others, but the operation is not appropriate for every pattern of pain or wear. A total knee replacement is an alternative when disease involves more of the joint or the knee needs broader resurfacing.

Discuss medicines, home arrangements, and the walking aid you may need after surgery. Rehabilitation commonly works on knee straightening, controlled bending, quadriceps strength, balance, and a smooth walking pattern. Keep the wound protected as instructed, use the prescribed pain plan, and increase activity in small steps. Do not compare your progress with someone else’s: swelling and motion can change from day to day.

Confirm when you may drive, return to work, kneel, use stairs, and resume exercise. Attend follow-up so alignment, movement, and symptoms can be reviewed.

Seek advice for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a new painful swollen calf. Get emergency help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a foot that becomes cold or changes colour. Call promptly if the knee suddenly locks, gives way repeatedly, or cannot bear the weight your team allowed.

Which knee compartment is affected, and are the other compartments and ligaments healthy? Why is a partial replacement preferable to a total replacement for me? Which implant materials are planned? What movement, walking, and exercise milestones should guide rehabilitation?