Knee · Unicompartmental

Partial knee replacement

Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement uses ROSA® robotic guidance with the Oxford implant to resurface a single arthritic compartment while preserving the ACL and healthy cartilage. Consultations with our fellowship-trained Canadian surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Most patients walk with a cane or walker within 1–2 days, with recovery generally faster than total knee replacement and most returning to daily activities by 6–12 weeks.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained knee surgeons perform partial knee replacement. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230
  • Preserves your ACL
  • Most patients walking in 1–2 days
  • Surgery in 2–4 weeks
  • No referral required
Patient walking down outdoor stairs after partial knee replacement recovery
5.0 from 250+ reviews
ACL preserved

At a glance

Partial knee replacement at a glance

Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement uses ROSA® robotic guidance with the Oxford implant to resurface a single arthritic compartment while preserving the ACL and healthy cartilage.

1–3 days
to first consultation
2–4 weeks
from consult to surgery
1–2 days
most patients walking with support
6–12 weeks
typical return to daily activities
Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

We were very happy with Pathway Surgery. Joseph was prompt, friendly and efficient. Special thanks to Dr. Rodriguez for my partial knee replacement, an option that I didn’t even know was possible!

A Zim

Partial knee replacement

My grandfather had his partial knee replaced by Dr. Zywiel, he walked out of the surgical centre comfortably. He walked unassisted the day after surgery, better than he did before. There isn’t a single person I would not recommend them to.

Chantelle Annette

Partial knee replacement

Excellent experience. The team were professional and I was very impressed with the level of care provided by Dr Zywiel. I had a partial knee replacement on my left knee and am doing well 2 weeks into my recovery!

Charles Potter

Partial knee replacement

Read more patient stories
The procedure

What is partial knee replacement?

The knee has three compartments: the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (kneecap). When arthritis affects only one compartment — most commonly the medial — partial knee replacement can resurface just that area while preserving the healthy parts of your knee.

Unlike total knee replacement, partial replacement preserves your ACL, healthy cartilage, and more of your natural bone. This results in a knee that often feels more natural, with faster recovery and fewer restrictions.

Key benefits of partial replacement

Not everyone is a candidate for partial replacement — it requires single-compartment arthritis with an intact ACL. Your surgeon will evaluate your imaging to determine if this option is right for you.

Surgeon insights

Hear from our surgeons.

Dr. Rodriguez explains robotic knee surgery, implant options, and recovery expectations.

Q&A guide

Knee replacement FAQ

Partial vs. total knee replacement, robotic surgery benefits, and recovery expectations.

Full Q&A guide
Q&A guide

Partial knee replacement explained

Who’s a candidate, robotic techniques, and what to expect from recovery.

Full Q&A guide
View all surgeon Q&A guides
Surgical technology

ROSA® with the Oxford implant.

Precision robotic guidance for bone and ligament preservation.

  1. 1

    Intraoperative assessment

    ROSA collects data on your knee alignment, joint surfaces, and range of motion

  2. 2

    Personalized planning

    Surgeon plans implant positioning specific to your anatomy while preserving unaffected compartments

  3. 3

    Precision bone preparation

    Surgeon prepares only the affected compartment with robotic guidance — ACL and healthy cartilage retained

  4. 4

    Oxford implant placement

    The implant resurfaces only the damaged portion; motion and balance verified before final placement

ROSA® Knee System

ROSA® Knee System

Real-time guidance and verification to support accurate alignment and implant positioning while preserving your natural knee structures.

Oxford® Partial Knee

Oxford® Partial Knee

A proven implant designed specifically for unicompartmental replacement, allowing natural knee motion while addressing only the damaged area.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

Partial knee replacement is ideal for patients with specific characteristics.

Single-compartment arthritis

Most commonly the medial (inner) compartment

Intact ACL

Stable knee ligaments are essential

Good range of motion

Knee should still bend and extend well

Correctable deformity

Minimal to moderate alignment issues

Localized pain

Pain on one side of knee, not diffuse

Failed conservative care

Physio, injections, and medications haven’t helped

Not sure if partial replacement is right for you? Book a consultation and a surgeon will review your imaging.

Your surgeons

Our partial knee specialists.

Fellowship-trained surgeons with expertise in partial knee replacement.

Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde, partial knee replacement surgeon

Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde

Anterior hip & robotic knee
Dr. Michael Zywiel, partial knee replacement surgeon

Dr. Michael Zywiel

Anterior hip & robotic knee
Dr. Omar Dessouki, partial knee replacement surgeon

Dr. Omar Dessouki

Hip & knee replacement
Read full surgeon profiles

Not a candidate for partial replacement?

If arthritis affects multiple compartments of your knee, or if your ACL is deficient, total knee replacement may be the better option. Your surgeon will discuss all options based on your imaging and examination.

Explore robotic knee replacement
FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

The Oxford implant has shown good long-term survivorship in many patients. However, durability depends on patient activity level, weight, and how well the remaining compartments hold up over time. If arthritis progresses to other compartments, conversion to a total knee replacement is possible.

Yes, many patients experience faster recovery with partial knee replacement due to the smaller incision, preserved ACL, and less bone removal. Most patients can walk with minimal support within days and return to normal activities sooner than with total knee replacement.

Conversion from partial to total knee replacement is a well-established procedure. Because partial replacement preserves more bone, the conversion is generally straightforward if it becomes necessary in the future.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly. Having recent X-rays is helpful for determining candidacy, but we can arrange imaging if needed.

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to find out if partial knee replacement is right for you. No referral required.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230
Related links

Continue your research.

Specialty Knee procedures Surgeon Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez Elizalde Surgeon Dr. Michael Zywiel Surgeon Dr. Jihad Abouali Surgeon Dr. Thierry Pauyo Related procedure ACL Reconstruction in Canada Related procedure ACL Repair in Canada