The Oxford Partial Knee System: A Breakthrough in Knee Arthritis Treatment

Unlike a total knee replacement, which replaces all three compartments of the knee, the Oxford Partial Knee System is a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). It is designed for patients whose arthritis or avascular necrosis is confined to the medial (inner) or – much rarer – lateral (outer) compartment of the knee.

The procedure preserves healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the other compartments (including the cruciate ligaments) which often results in a knee that feels more natural post-surgery.

For a technical overview, visit the Oxford Partial Knee System by Zimmer Biomet¹.

The Oxford Partial Knee System is the most widely used and clinically proven partial knee replacement worldwide. Its standout feature is the mobile meniscal bearing, which glides like a natural meniscus to provide smooth movement and reduce wear.

Patients may benefit from:

• Less pain – Smaller procedure = less discomfort than total replacement.
• Faster recovery – Many patients walk unaided much sooner and resume daily activities earlier.
• More natural motion – Preserving ligaments and healthy tissue often makes the knee feel more “normal.”
• Bone preservation – Less bone removal means easier revision if a future total knee replacement is required.

While there are other partial knee replacement systems available — such as the Persona, Journey, and Stryker PKR systems — the Oxford Partial Knee is unique in being the most widely adopted and clinically proven system worldwide. Its mobile bearing design sets it apart from fixed-bearing alternatives, providing smoother movement and lower wear rates over time.

Read more about our approach to safety in our blog: How Orthopaedic Innovation Reduces Infection in Knee Replacement Surgery

The Oxford Partial Knee System is generally recommended for people with:

• Arthritis confined to the medial (or much rarer - lateral) compartment
• Stable knee ligaments
• Minimal deformity

A consultation with one of our experienced surgeons is the best way to determine whether a partial or total replacement is right for you.

For a patient-focused overview, Dr. Likover’s site² also provides helpful insights into the Oxford system.

1. 1. 1. How long does a partial knee replacement last?
         The Oxford Partial Knee System has excellent long-term outcomes. Clinical studies show that more than 90–95% of implants are still functioning well at 10 years, and many last 15–20 years or longer. In fact, survivorship rates are comparable to — or even better than — many total knee replacements.
      2. What is the recovery time for a partial knee replacement?
         Recovery is typically faster than with a total knee replacement. Most patients:
         • Walk with support within a few days
         • Walk unaided within 2–4 weeks
         • Return to driving in about 4–6 weeks
         • Resume low-impact activities (e.g., cycling, swimming, yoga) by 3 months
      3. Can a partial knee be revised to a total knee replacement?
         Yes. The Oxford system is bone-preserving, which means that if arthritis develops in other parts of the knee, it can be converted to a total knee replacement with relatively straightforward surgery.
      4. What activities can I do after surgery?
         Most patients can look forward to returning to an active lifestyle:
         • Weeks 1–4: Walking with support, gentle exercises
         • Weeks 4–6: Walking unaided, light household activities
         • 3 months: Swimming, cycling, yoga, golf, and other low-impact sports
         • 6–12 months: Many patients are able to return to more demanding activities like hiking, gardening, and travelling