Dr CR Oosthuizen performing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in theatre at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital
UKA vs TKA

Preserve what works. Replace only what's worn.

The Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty is a minimally invasive option for patients whose arthritis is isolated to one compartment of the knee. For the right candidate, it offers benefits that a total replacement simply cannot.

Aspect
UKA (Partial)
TKA (Total)
Bone & ligament preservation
All cruciate ligaments retained, ~75% less bone removed
Cruciate ligaments often sacrificed, more bone resection
Incision & trauma
Smaller incision, minimally invasive
Larger incision, full joint exposure
Recovery time
Walking same day, weeks rather than months
Months of rehabilitation
Knee feel
Closer to native kinematics
Mechanical, less natural
Candidacy
Single-compartment arthritis, intact ligaments
Multi-compartment or advanced disease

Faster recovery

Many patients walk the same day and return to low-impact activity within weeks.

Smaller scar

A minimally invasive approach means less soft-tissue trauma and quicker healing.

Natural movement

Retaining the cruciate ligaments preserves the proprioception of your own joint.

Are you a candidate?

Take the 2-minute candidacy assessment, or request a consultation directly.

Speak to the rooms

Have a question about this document?

Call or WhatsApp Dr Oosthuizen's rooms directly, or request an appointment and a clinical coordinator will respond within one business day.

Not for medical emergencies — phone 10177 for an ambulance or attend your nearest emergency unit.

Next Step

Request an Appointment

Speak directly with Dr Oosthuizen's rooms. We respond within one business day.

Handled in line with POPIA. Not for medical emergencies — call 10177 instead.

Next step

Find out if a partial knee is right for you

Book a consultation with Dr Oosthuizen and have your imaging and symptoms reviewed in detail.

  • Mon·JSH·06:30 – 10:00
  • Tue·Wilgeheuwel·06:30 – 10:00
  • Thu·JSH·06:30 – 12:00
Consulting: Mon · Tue · Thu (AM)