📍 Manassas, Fair Oaks, & Gainesville, VA 📞 703-393-1667
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm | Schedule Online →
Dr. Zachary Weidner, M.D.
HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGEON
Home › Procedures › MAKO Partial Knee Replacement
Smaller
Incision Size
Faster
Recovery vs Total Knee
Natural
Knee Feel After Recovery
Robotic
Precision Guidance
ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE
What Is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement (also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or MAKOplasty when performed with the MAKO system) replaces only the damaged portion of the knee rather than the entire joint. The knee has three compartments — medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (kneecap). If arthritis is confined to just one area, partial replacement may be an excellent option.
Dr. Weidner performs partial knee replacement using the Stryker MAKO robotic system, which uses CT-based planning to ensure the implant is placed with exceptional precision — preserving your natural ligaments and bone while replacing only what needs to be replaced.
THE DIFFERENCE
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement
FOR SINGLE-COMPARTMENT ARTHRITIS
✓ Smaller incision
✓ Preserves natural ligaments
✓ More natural knee feel
✓ Faster recovery
✓ Less bone removed
✓ Can be revised to total knee if needed
Total Knee Replacement
FOR WHOLE-KNEE ARTHRITIS
— Larger incision
— All compartments replaced
— More bone removed
— Longer rehabilitation needed
✓ Best for widespread arthritis
✓ Addresses all compartments
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE THIS
Benefits of MAKO Partial Knee Replacement
🌿
Preserve More of Your Knee
Only the damaged compartment is replaced — your natural bone, cartilage, and ligaments in healthy areas are kept intact.
⚡
Faster Recovery
Smaller procedure, less trauma — most patients recover faster than with total knee replacement.
🤖
Robotic Precision
MAKO's CT-based planning & robotic arm ensure the implant is positioned perfectly for your specific anatomy.
🦵
More Natural Feeling
Preserving your ligaments and bone often results in a knee that feels more natural after recovery.
🔄
Revisable if Needed
If arthritis progresses to other compartments, partial replacement can be converted to total knee replacement.
🏥
Less Blood Loss
The smaller scope of the procedure typically results in less blood loss & a shorter surgery time.
CANDIDACY
Am I a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is not right for everyone. It requires that arthritis be confined to one compartment and that the knee ligaments be intact. Dr. Weidner will carefully evaluate your X-rays and exam to determine whether partial or total knee replacement is the better choice for you.
You may be a candidate if:
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Your arthritis is confined to one compartment of the knee (usually medial/inner)
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Knee ligaments are intact and functional
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Knee pain that limits daily activities despite non-surgical treatment
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No significant inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid)
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X-rays confirm single-compartment disease
Partial or total - which is right for you?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Weidner. He will review your imaging and give you a clear recommendation based on your specific arthritis pattern.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Partial Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
1
Day of Surgery
Walking with a walker, most patients discharge to home
2
Weeks 1-2
PT begins, less swelling & less pain than total knee
3
Weeks 3-6
Transitioning off cane, driving, stairs improving steadily
4
Months 2-3
Return to most normal activities, golf, return to manual labor work
5
Months 3-12
Full recovery, return to recreational activities, no restrictions
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is partial knee replacement?
A: Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee rather than the entire joint. It is an option for patients whose arthritis is limited to one area and whose knee ligaments are intact.
Q: How does the MAKO system improve partial knee replacement?
A: The MAKO robotic system creates a CT-based 3D model of your knee before surgery, allowing Dr. Weidner to pre-plan implant placement precisely. During surgery, the robotic arm provides haptic feedback that prevents cutting outside the planned boundaries — resulting in more accurate and consistent implant positioning.
Q: What are the advantages of partial over total knee replacement?
A: Partial knee replacement preserves more of your natural knee including the cruciate ligaments (ACL), often resulting in a more natural-feeling knee after recovery. It involves a smaller incision, less blood loss, shorter surgery time, faster recovery, and less post-operative pain than total knee replacement in most cases.
Q: Can a partial knee replacement be converted to total if needed later?
A: Yes. If arthritis progresses to other compartments over time, a partial knee replacement can be revised (converted) to a total knee replacement. This is a routine procedure for experienced joint replacement surgeons like Dr. Weidner.
Q: How long does partial knee replacement last?
A: Modern partial knee implants are designed to last 15–20+ years in most patients. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities can extend implant life significantly. One downside is that partial knee replacements do have a higher rate of another surgery later in life compared to total knee replacements.
Q: How do I schedule a knee replacement consultation with Dr. Weidner?
A: Call our office at 703-393-1667 or schedule online. Dr. Weidner sees patients at his Manassas, Gainesville, & Fair Oaks offices and serves patients from throughout Northern Virginia including Haymarket, Gainesville, Woodbridge, Warrenton, Centreville, & Fairfax.