How Long Does a Partial Knee Replacement Last?
15–20 years on average, with many lasting longer in lower-demand patients.
Modern UKA implants have a 10-year survival of 92–95% and 15-year survival of 85–90% in published registry data. Average implant lifespan is in the 15–20 year range, with many UKAs lasting longer in lower-demand patients.
Implant longevity depends on three things: how well it was implanted (surgeon and technique), how well it fits the patient (correct sizing and alignment) and how it is loaded (body weight and activity).
If a UKA wears out or fails later in life, conversion to a total knee replacement is a routine operation with outcomes similar to a primary TKR. Patients should think of UKA as a long-lasting solution that does not burn a bridge.
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