Robotic Partial Knee Replacement
What is a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement?
A Robotic Partial Knee Replacement, also known as a Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint rather than the entire joint.
It is suitable for people whose arthritis is confined to one area of the knee, allowing healthy bone and ligaments to be preserved.
The aim of the procedure is to relieve pain while maintaining more natural movement compared to a Total Knee Replacement.
When is it needed?
You may be considered for a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement if you experience:
- Arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee (usually the inner or outer side)
- Pain is localised and worsens during walking or weight-bearing
- Movement is restricted, but ligaments are still stable
- Symptoms of arthritis have not improved with physiotherapy, medication, or injections
- X-rays confirm wear is limited to one section of the joint
Mr Beattie will assess whether your pattern of arthritis makes you suitable for this procedure, or whether a Total Knee Replacement would be more appropriate.
What happens during surgery?
During a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement, the damaged section of the knee joint is resurfaced and replaced with a small implant, while the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the rest of the knee are preserved.
This approach allows for a smaller incision, less disruption to surrounding tissue, and typically a quicker recovery compared to a Total Knee Replacement.
Mr Beattie now performs all Partial Knee Replacements using the VELYS™ robotic system, as he believes it offers significant advantages over the manual approach in surgical accuracy, implant positioning, and joint balance.
Recovery and aftercare
Following a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement, most patients are able to stand and walk with assistance on the same day or the following day. As less tissue is affected, many people experience faster recovery and a more natural-feeling knee afterwards.
Physiotherapy is important to restore strength and mobility. Walking aids such as crutches or a frame are usually required for a few weeks.
Light activities are often resumed within 3 to 4 weeks, although full recovery can sometimes take several months.
Risks and considerations
Although less invasive than a Total Knee Replacement, a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement still carries potential risks which include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Loosening or wear of the implant
- Progression of arthritis in other parts of the knee
Some patients may eventually require conversion to a Total Knee Replacement in the future if other areas of the joint become affected.
Mr Beattie will guide you through whether a Robotic Partial Knee Replacement is right for your specific needs, discuss any personal considerations, and ensure that you feel comfortable and fully informed before moving forward.
Contact Mr Beattie
PERSONALISED HIP & KNEE CARE
Other Patient Services
Mr Beattie's range of Patient Services extends beyond Robotic Partial Knee Replacement to address all aspects of hip and knee care.
Total Hip Replacement
When hip pain makes walking, sleeping or daily activity difficult, Total Hip Replacement offers lasting relief by replacing the damaged joint with a smooth, durable implant designed to restore mobility and confidence.
Total Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement restores mobility and reduces pain when arthritis or injury causes persistent stiffness, swelling, or instability that no longer responds to physiotherapy or medication.
Revision Hip Replacement
If a previous implant becomes painful, loose or worn, Revision Hip Replacement surgery replaces or adjusts the original joint replacement to restore movement and relieve discomfort.
Revision Knee Replacement
Over time, a knee replacement may loosen or wear out. Knee Revision Surgery removes the old implant and fits a new one to improve function, relieve pain, and support long-term stability.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to diagnose and treat joint problems such as torn cartilage or loose fragments with faster recovery than open surgery.