Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. find lasting relief from knee pain without replacing the entire knee. At Scottsdale Hip & Knee, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert specializes in robotic and muscle-sparing partial knee replacement, offering a precise, bone-preserving solution for patients with localized arthritis. By combining advanced robotic technology with meticulous soft-tissue care, Dr. Albert helps patients return to walking, climbing stairs, and daily life more quickly — with a knee that feels natural.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call our office or book an appointment online today.
Targeted Precision. Faster Recovery. A More Natural Knee.
At Scottsdale Hip & Knee, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert offers advanced robotic-assisted partial knee replacement using a true muscle-sparing approach. For the right patient, partial knee replacement can relieve pain while preserving healthy bone, ligaments, and natural knee motion.
Dr. Albert’s goal partial knee replacement candidates is simple: treat only what’s damaged — and keep the rest of your knee working naturally.
Partial knee replacement (also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint, rather than the entire knee.
The knee has three compartments:
Medial (inside)
Lateral (outside)
Patellofemoral (kneecap)
If arthritis is confined to a single compartment, partial knee replacement may be an excellent option. By preserving healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments — including the ACL — the knee often feels more natural than after total knee replacement.
Unlike total knee replacement, partial knee replacement:
Treats only the arthritic compartment
Preserves healthy bone and cartilage
Maintains native ligaments for more natural motion
Uses a smaller incision
Causes less tissue disruption
Many patients experience less pain, faster recovery, and better knee feel compared to full knee replacement — when they are properly selected candidates.
Dr. Albert performs robotic partial knee replacement using advanced systems such as Stryker Mako® Robot, which allow for exceptional accuracy and personalization.
Robotic technology enables:
Detailed 3-D mapping of your knee anatomy
Precise implant positioning within millimeters
Optimal balance of ligaments and joint mechanics
Preservation of normal knee kinematics
This level of precision is especially important in partial knee replacement, where small alignment differences can significantly impact outcomes.
Dr. Albert utilizes minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques whenever possible — avoiding unnecessary disruption to the quadriceps mechanism.
Potential benefits include:
Less postoperative pain and swelling
Faster return to walking and daily activities
Improved early strength and confidence
A knee that feels more like your own
Because partial knee replacement requires technical expertise, precise judgment, and experience, it is not routinely offered by all surgeons. Dr. Albert’s practice is focused on advanced, patient-specific knee reconstruction.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
Arthritis limited to one knee compartment
Stable ligaments (especially ACL)
Correctable alignment
Persistent pain despite conservative treatment
You may not be a candidate if you have:
Arthritis in multiple compartments
Significant knee instability
Inflammatory arthritis
Severe stiffness or deformity
A thorough evaluation — including X-rays and often advanced imaging — is essential to determine the right solution for your knee.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Albert emphasizes non-surgical treatments such as:
Physical therapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory strategies and injections
When partial knee replacement is appropriate:
Many patients walk the same day
Recovery is often faster than total knee replacement
Most patients return to normal activities within weeks
Strength and function continue to improve over several months
If arthritis progresses in the future, partial knee replacement does not eliminate the option for total knee replacement later.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee reconstruction
Extensive experience with robotic knee replacement
Expertise in muscle-sparing, minimally invasive techniques
Advanced robotic systems for precision and personalization
Honest guidance focused on the right operation — not more surgery than needed
If knee pain is limiting your activity — but you’ve been told you may not need a full knee replacement — robotic partial knee replacement may be the right solution.
Contact Scottsdale Hip & Knee today to schedule a consultation and learn whether you’re a candidate for this advanced, bone-preserving procedure.