Which one is right for you?

A knee replacement, also known as arthroplasty, involves re-aligning the knee joint when osteoarthritis has damaged the smooth cartilage covering the bones. This is usually precipitated by injury, wear and tear with aging or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. When painkillers, lubricants or steroid injections or physical therapy don’t help, surgery could be the apt option. If an X-ray reveals that the cartilage in the knee joint has totally worn away exposing the bone underneath, a knee-replacement surgery could be the solution.

What is the difference between a total and a partial knee replacement?

The knee is made up of three compartments – the medial compartment (inside of the knee), the lateral compartment (outside of the knee) and the patellofemoral compartment (front of the knee). In some patients with osteoarthritis in the knee, only one compartment, usually the medial compartment is affected. In fewer cases, the lateral compartment or patellofemoral joint is also affected.
A partial or unicondylar knee replacement procedure replaces only the affected compartment. A total knee replacement or TKR, on the flip side, involves replacing all the three compartments of the knee. In partial knee replacement, both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are preserved, while these ligaments are taken out during a total knee replacement.

What are the benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement

Swift recovery: Partial knee replacement involves a smaller cut compared to TKR and preserves cruciate ligaments and other healthy tissue. Hence, recovery is faster. Patient after a partial knee is virtually free to do everything apart from playing contact sports
Natural feel: Partial replacement gives a more natural sense of knee mobility and range of motion post-surgery since only the damaged compartment is replaced with a prosthesis.
Less risk of complications: Since the technique is less invasive, the risk of complications is less, including infections and blood loss.

Who are potential candidates for Partial Knee Replacement?

Those who are less than 60
Weighing less than 180 pounds
More active and who want to return to all activities
Has decent range of motion pre-surgery
Has minimal deformity

What are the benefits of total knee replacement?

Knee Replacement

Comprehensive pain relief: TKR provides total pain relief to patients who are severely arthritic, thus enabling them to return to their former active lifestyle to a large extent.
Better stability: TKR improves stability and balance, reducing risk of falls, and providing enhanced overall mobility.
Long-term solution: TKR is a lasting, long-term solution, giving patients improved joint function and pain-free mobility.

Recovery and Success

Total Knee Replacement: While recovery time varies from patient to patient and also hinges on overall health, TKR procedures are typically successful, with at least 90% operations providing relief from pain, and remain functional even after two decades. A full return to low-impact activities could take a few months to a year.
Partial Knee Replacement: Some studies suggest that around 90% of partial knee replacement procedures last for a decade or more, while around 70% don’t require a redo surgery even after 25 years. A full return to near-normal activities is usually possible within three to six weeks.