Partial Knee Replacement

At 206 Reasons Orthocare, our philosophy is to preserve your natural bone whenever possible. A Partial Knee Replacement (Microplasty) is a minimally invasive surgical option designed for patients whose knee arthritis is limited to just one specific area—usually the inner (medial) side of the knee. Unlike a Total Knee Replacement, which replaces the entire joint surface, this procedure targets only the damaged portion, leaving your healthy bone and ligaments completely untouched.

The “Forgotten Knee” Concept

Our goal with Partial Knee Replacement is to achieve what orthopedic surgeons call the “Forgotten Knee”—a joint that feels so natural and moves so effortlessly that you eventually forget you ever had surgery on it. Because we preserve your natural ACL and PCL (cruciate ligaments), the knee retains its natural stability and movement patterns.

Are You a Candidate?

Dr. Ruchit Shah evaluates candidates for this procedure very carefully. It is typically recommended if:

• Localized Pain: Your pain is primarily located on one side of the knee (usually the inner side) and does not radiate throughout the whole joint.

• Intact Ligaments: Your knee ligaments (ACL/PCL) are strong and healthy.

• Good Range of Motion: You still have decent movement in the knee despite the pain.

• Early Intervention: You want to address the pain before the arthritis spreads to the rest of the knee.

The Procedure

This surgery is a “resurfacing” procedure rather than a full replacement.

1. Small Incision: We use a significantly smaller incision (typically 3–4 inches) compared to total knee surgery.

2. Targeted Removal: Only the arthritic bone and cartilage from the affected compartment are removed.

3. Precision Implant: A small metal and plastic implant is secured to the bone, effectively “capping” the worn-out area.

4. Preservation: The healthy compartments of your knee and your natural ligaments are left completely intact to maintain natural function.

Benefits of Partial vs. Total

For the right candidate, the advantages are significant:

• Faster Recovery: Many patients are walking without aid within weeks rather than months.

• Less Pain: Because less bone is cut and fewer soft tissues are disturbed, post-surgical pain is generally lower.

• Natural Feeling: Patients often report that the knee feels “more like their own” compared to a total replacement.

• Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days.

Why 206 Reasons Orthocare?

We believe in “the right surgery for the right patient.” Dr. Ruchit Shah will never recommend a total replacement if a partial one will suffice. We utilize:

• High-Precision Diagnostics: To ensure your arthritis is truly limited to one compartment.

• Advanced Prosthetics: Using modern, high-flex designs that allow you to maintain an active Indian lifestyle (including sitting cross-legged in many cases, depending on recovery).