Unicompartmental is considered 'retread' surgery. This means the diseased bone is resurfaced only, leaving the rest of the joint untouched. The device is small consisting of metal and plastic components and the operation itself is less invasive.

There are many other advantages compared to total knee replacement:

• Smaller Incision. The incision itself is approximately 10cms long.
• Less Blood Loss. Often patients having full knee replacement are required to donate blood before the operation due to blood loss during surgery. Unicompartmental knee resurfacing surgery is considered minimally invasive surgery and eliminates the need for blood transfusion.
• Less Bone Removed. Unicompartmental knee resurfacing surgery means 'retreading' the bone with metal on plastic. Therefore, only a small amount of bone needs to be removed, approximately 3 - 4mm, to fit the device. Total knee replacement requires the loss of approximately 10mm from all compartments.
• Lower Morbidity. Unicompartmental knee resurfacing surgery greatly reduces the disruption to the joints, providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in complications.
• Shorter Recovery Time. Most unicompartmental patients are walking 2 - 3 hours after surgery. Total time spent in hospital approximately 6 - 8 hours. Within 2 weeks patients are back driving, playing golf, or resuming normal activities.

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