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What Age Is Best for Partial Knee Replacement?

Dr CR Oosthuizen 3 min read

Suitability is determined by your knee, not your birthday. UKA suits patients from their 40s into their 80s.

There is no 'right' age for a partial knee replacement. The decision is driven by the pattern of arthritis, the condition of your ligaments, your symptoms and your activity goals — not a number on a chart.

Younger patients (40s–50s) often benefit most because UKA preserves bone and ligaments for any future surgery, returns them to higher activity, and feels more natural than a total knee. Older patients (70s–80s) benefit from the smaller operation, shorter hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation.

The historical idea that you should 'wait until you're older' for knee replacement is outdated. Living with disabling knee pain shortens healthy life expectancy and damages other joints by changing the way you move.

Next Step

Request an Appointment with Dr Oosthuizen

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