MBBS (S’PORE)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
Partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement when only a portion of the knee has been damaged from osteoarthritis while the other parts remain healthy. The surgery can replace the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or kneecap.
During the surgery, only the damaged part of the knee will be replaced with an implant, and the rest of the knee will be preserved. The surgery usually involves smaller incisions, which reduces the recovery time. A partial knee replacement aims to help improve pain and mobility 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.
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A partial knee replacement surgery is usually 1-2 hours long and is most often done under general anaesthesia.
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.
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.
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
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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.
