An intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
	No significant inflammation.
	No damage to the other compartments, calcification of cartilage, or dislocation.

Your doctor will verify that your knee meets the requirements when he or she begins the surgery. (If your knee does not meet these specific requirements, you may need total knee replacement.) The surgeon removes diseased bone and puts an implant (prosthesis) in its place. The two small replacement parts are secured to the rest of your knee. You can get Unicompartmental Knee Replacement surgery on both knees at the same time if you need it.

ADVANTAGES OF UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement alleviates pain and may delay the need for total knee replacement. You get better joint motion and function because the procedure preserves both cruciate ligaments and other healthy parts of the knee. You also keep the bone stock in the kneecap joint and the other compartment, which can be helpful if you ever need conversion to total knee replacement in the future. Complications are rare, but the new joint could develop an infection or slip out of place after surgery. For these reasons, your doctor may want to see you for follow-up visits after surgery. You will have to do range of motion and other physical therapy exercises to rehabilitate your knee. Recovery from this procedure is faster than from total knee replacement or osteotomy.

CONDITIONS TREATED BY UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

SYMPTOMS TREATED BY UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT