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.