Robotic Partial Knee Replacement

Today, with robotic assistance, we can perform partial knee replacements that resurface each compartment of the knee independently (as unicompartmental or unicondylar replacement) or in combination (as a bi-compartmental knee replacement). Unlike a total knee replacement that replaces the entire knee joint, and may unnecessarily remove healthy parts of your knee, a partial knee replacement preserves your healthy tissue and replaces only the damaged areas. Knees with partial replacements feel more normal than those that require full replacements. This is because the geometry of the knee remains intact and the ligaments that naturally guide the knee are left untouched. 

Benefits to Partial Knee Replacement at the Robotic Joint Center 

To achieve the accuracy required to successfully treat patients with a partial knee replacement, Dr. Stone uses the Stryker MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Orthopaedic System. In an outpatient procedure, the MAKO robotic arm—programmed to follow a computerized 3-D model of the patient’s knee—is guided by Dr. Stone to remove only the damaged tissue from the joint and place the partial implant with exquisite precision. This minimally invasive technique preserves all the patient’s ligaments and produces a strong, natural-feeling knee that provides rapid pain relief and a return to an active lifestyle. Below are some of the benefits of a robotic-assisted partial knee replacement:

Unique Partial Knee Replacement benefits:

• All 4 stabilizing ligaments remain intact (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
• Healthy articular cartilage left intact 
• A unicompartmental partial replacement may be expanded into a bi-compartmental partial or total knee replacement later in life

All robotic surgery at The Stone Clinic: 

• Personalized surgical plan
• Extremely high accuracy of anatomical placement¹
• A more natural knee motion
• Quick recovery^2,3
• No muscles are cut, less tissue/bone removal & scarring
• Less pain^4,5,6 & meds
• Outpatient procedure with no overnight hospital stay required

Partial Knee Replacement Recovery Timeframe

Below is an estimated timeline for notable recovery milestones after partial knee replacement surgery. All times are to be considered approximate, with each patient's actual progression based upon their clinical presentation. Additionally, these estimates are for patients having their joint replaced by Dr. Stone using the Stryker MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Orthopaedic System. Recovery times may be longer with other forms of partial knee replacement. You may learn more about the first two weeks of the knee replacement rehab patient experience here.

• Walking - Patients are weight-bearing, as tolerated, immediately after surgery. Patients walk out of the surgery center 1½ hours after surgery and begin their physical therapy the very next day. 
• Driving - Patients may return to driving, as tolerated, provided they are not under the influence of their post-op prescription pain medications. 
• Return to Work - Varies based upon the physicality of the patient's work. Patients may return within days to a couple weeks if they have a desk job. For more physically demanding work, patients should seek clearance from their physical therapist and their employer. 
• Air Travel - Patients are able to return to air travel after having their operative sutures removed (typically 1-2 weeks after surgery). 
• Cycling/Biking - Well-leg cycling begins on day one after surgery as part of post-op rehab. Most partial knee replacement patients can return to normal cycling within the first few weeks after surgery. 
• Swimming/Pool Activities - After having their post-operative sutures removed, patients are able to return to swimming within the first few weeks after surgery. 
• Full Activity / Impact Sports - Patients are typically able to return to full activity between 4-8 months, depending on their strength and commitment to their post-operative rehab program. 

Patients from across the United States and around the world travel to the Robotic Joint Center at The Stone Clinic in San Francisco to have their knees repaired by Dr. Stone. For those patients who do not live in the Bay Area, we offer a complimentary virtual consultation service. 

To find out if a robotic-assisted partial knee replacement is right for you, you may schedule a complimentary consultation for Dr. Stone to personally review your injury via a Zoom video conference meeting or a phone call.