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MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
Partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement when only one part of the knee is damaged by osteoarthritis while the other parts remain healthy. This guide is reviewed by Dr Kau Chung Yuan, FRCSEd (Ortho), a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in hip and knee surgery. The surgery can replace the inside, outside, or kneecap compartment of the knee.
Partial knee replacement is most commonly recommended for patients suffering from advanced knee osteoarthritis. This is when the cartilage suffers from wear and tear and begins to degrade, causing the bones to rub against each other. Partial knee replacement is also offered to patients with joint diseases and deformities of the knee. If the condition has worsened and the pain and lack of mobility is affecting everyday life, surgery will be the recommended course of action.
Since a partial knee replacement preserves most of the healthy knee tissues and bones, the range of motion and knee function after the surgery feels more natural. Due to its less invasive technique, the possibility of complications is minimised, less blood is lost during the surgery, and recovery is much quicker.
As with any surgery, partial knee replacement surgery in Singapore also has its risks. Although rare, it is possible to experience:
A partial knee replacement also has a higher possibility of revisions, especially if the osteoarthritis has progressed to damage the other knee compartments.
Partial knee replacement may be suitable when knee damage is limited to one part of the joint. During consultation, Dr Kau may assess your age, activity level, cartilage damage, knee alignment, ligament stability, and symptoms.
In general, patients may be considered if the cartilage damage is limited to one knee compartment, the knee is not severely misaligned, and the ligaments are stable. If arthritis affects several areas of the knee, total knee replacement or other treatment options may be more appropriate.
A consultation and imaging tests are needed to confirm whether partial knee replacement is suitable for your condition.
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A partial knee replacement surgery is usually 1-2 hours long and is most often done under general anaesthesia.
| Comparison Area | Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement |
| Area Treated | Replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee. | Replaces the damaged surfaces across the knee joint. |
| Best Suited For | Patients with arthritis or cartilage damage limited to one part of the knee. | Patients with arthritis affecting multiple parts of the knee. |
| Knee Structure Preserved | Preserves more of the natural bone, ligaments, and healthy knee tissue. | Involves a more extensive replacement of the knee joint surfaces. |
| Surgical Extent | Usually less extensive because only one compartment is treated. | More extensive because the whole knee joint is addressed. |
| Recovery Overview | Some suitable patients may regain mobility earlier, depending on their condition and rehabilitation progress. | Recovery may take longer because more of the knee joint is replaced. |
| Knee Feel | May feel more natural for suitable patients because more of the original knee is preserved. | May feel different because more joint surfaces are replaced. |
| Cost Considerations | Cost may vary depending on hospital fees, implant type, surgeon’s fees, insurance, and rehabilitation needs. | Cost may also vary based on the complexity of surgery, hospital setting, implant type, and recovery needs. |
| How Suitability Is Decided | Based on knee alignment, ligament stability, cartilage damage, and whether arthritis is limited to one compartment. | Based on the severity and spread of arthritis across the knee joint. |
The right treatment depends on how much of the knee is affected. A knee specialist can assess whether partial or total knee replacement is more suitable. For cost details, read our Partial Knee Replacement Cost Guide.
After a partial knee replacement surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for another 1-2 days. Mobility and function of the knees should return quickly, and patients will be able to walk with a walker or crutch for the first few days.
Pain and discomfort are normal in the first week, but this can be managed with prescribed oral medication. Once discharged from the hospital, patients will have to work with a physical therapist for 2-4 weeks to regain the strength of the knee and improve mobility.
Regular mobility will return within 3-6 weeks. With consistent physical therapy, patients can resume more strenuous activities and exercises 6-8 weeks after surgery. High-impact exercises like jogging and running may not be recommended, but activities like tennis, biking and golfing are safe after a partial knee replacement surgery.
According to MOH’s fee guideline, a knee replacement surgery costs an average of $36,000 at a private hospital. This fee is calculated before deducting your personal insurance plans (Integrated Shield Plans, Medishield Life) and MediSave payouts. The maximum MediSave payout you can obtain for a simple knee replacement surgery is $4,650.
For a more detailed breakdown of estimated fees, MediSave claims, MediShield Life coverage, and insurance considerations, read our Partial Knee Replacement Cost in Singapore.
Our knee surgeon, Dr Kau is on the panel for most major local insurers. Talk to our team and your insurance agent to understand the out-of-pocket fees required for a knee replacement surgery.
MBBS (S’pore)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Hip and Knee surgery and has been in practice for more than 15 years.
He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery.
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The surgery can take 1-2 hours.
A knee implant can last an average of 15-20 years.
A partial knee replacement surgery cannot cure arthritis. It can only remove the damage and pain caused by the condition.
A partial knee replacement has a higher risk of needing a revision surgery compared to a total knee replacement.
Patients can return to normal mobility after 3-6 weeks but full recovery may take several months.
Patients will be able to climb stairs after a partial knee placement but will require walking aids in the first few weeks after surgery.
Recovering from partial knee replacement in Singapore? Discover what to expect week by week and how to support healing through each recovery phase.
Considering knee replacement in Singapore? Learn the key differences between partial and total knee surgery, and which option suits your condition best.
Understand the cost of partial knee replacement in Singapore, from consultation and surgery to implant options and recovery support.
