Ideal candidates for unicompartmental knee replacement have osteoarthritis strictly localized to one of the joint's three sections, typically the medial compartment. Success requires functional ligaments like the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a good range of motion, and mild, correctable deformities usually under 15 degrees.
- Isolated damage: Arthritis must be confined to the inside, outside, or front compartment.
- Ligament stability: Healthy Crucial ligaments are essential to stabilize the preserved joint parts.
- Movement capacity: Patients should fully straighten the knee and bend it 90-100 degrees.
- Health profile: Candidates typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 to 35.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many think partial replacement is only for younger patients to preserve bone, Thailand's top clinics like LUX KOR Hospital increasingly perform these on elderly patients. The procedure is significantly less invasive than total replacement, resulting in shorter 4-5 day hospital stays and faster 6-8 week recovery timelines.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that this is often a bridge procedure rather than a permanent fix. They advise getting a second imaging review to ensure arthritis hasn't spread to other compartments before surgery.