Partial Knee replacement in Perth, WA

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, is a joint-preserving surgical option for patients with arthritis limited to a single area of the knee.

Dr. Duff uses robotic-assisted technology to place customised implants that restore alignment, relieve pain, and maintain natural knee motion.

About

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement involves resurfacing just one compartment of the knee joint using metal and high-grade plastic implants.

This allows patients to retain more of their own anatomy and often results in a knee that feels more “natural” than a full replacement.

There are three compartments in the knee:

Medial compartment (inner side) – most commonly affected
Lateral compartment (outer side)
Patellofemoral compartment (under the kneecap)

The medial compartment is most commonly treated, but partial replacements can also address isolated wear in the lateral compartment.

Candidates

Is Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?

Partial knee replacement is ideal for patients with arthritis limited to one knee compartment and stable ligaments.

Learn who qualifies, what surgery involves, and when a Total Knee Replacement may be a better fit.

Who Is a Candidate?

Partial knee replacement is suited to patients who meet the following criteria:

Arthritis is confined to one compartment of the knee
Knee ligaments are intact, particularly the ACL
Knee maintains good range of motion
Leg alignment is within acceptable limits
Body weight is within normal range
Arthritis is osteoarthritic, not inflammatory (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)

A consultation with Dr. Duff, including imaging and physical examination, will determine whether a partial or total knee replacement is the better option for your case.

What to Expect During Surgery and Recovery

Surgery is performed through a small incision at the front of the knee
You will typically stand the day of surgery and begin walking the next day
Physiotherapy begins immediately post-op in hospital
Routine X-rays and blood tests are done before discharge

Hospital Stay:

1 to 3 nights in hospital is typical

Recovery Timeline:

Driving can usually resume after 4–6 weeks
Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks and higher-level activity by 6–8 weeks, depending on recovery progress

When to Consider a Total Knee Replacement

Instead If you have:

Pain that is diffuse across the entire knee
Wear visible in more than one compartment
A history of ligament damage
Significant deformity or instability

You may be better suited for a Total Knee Replacement from the outset. Dr. Duff will help guide your decision using a combination of imaging, examination, and your lifestyle goals.

Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement

Compared to a total knee replacement, partial knee surgery offers several unique benefits:

Smaller incision and less bone removal
Quicker recovery and reduced post-op discomfort
Greater range of motion
Knee retains more natural feel and function
Potential for conversion to a total knee replacement if needed in future

Patients often report faster return to daily activities and improved comfort with stair use, kneeling, and pivoting.

Robotic Assistance for Precision

Dr. Duff uses a robotic-assisted system to improve the accuracy and personalisation of partial knee replacement. The process involves:

Pre-operative CT scan to create a 3D model of your knee
Intraoperative mapping of your joint anatomy
Robotic guidance to place the implant with sub-millimetre accuracy

This ensures the implant is positioned to match your knee’s unique structure, promoting longer implant life and more natural motion.

Request a Partial Knee Replacement Assessment

If you’ve been diagnosed with medial or lateral compartment knee arthritis and are seeking relief without the limitations of full joint replacement, speak to Dr. Samuel Duff about whether partial knee surgery is right for you.

Operations are performed at Hollywood Private Hospital and St John of God Subiaco, with public appointments at Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospitals.