Difference between partial knee replacement
and total knee replacement

The human body is an amazing creation of God. The musculoskeletal system is in charge of your physical shape. Our musculoskeletal system determines how tall, short, broad, and slim you are. Some joints, such as the elbows and knees, work for life and must be in good form for years to keep you healthy.
Yet, every musculoskeletal system suffers deterioration as you age or as a result of an accident. Constant wear and strain, accident, arthritis, and other factors contribute to knee problems. A full or partial joint replacement is required if the injury is severe.
It is important to understand the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement.
Difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement
Partial knee replacement surgery
Individuals with osteoarthritis may only damage one of the knee sections. It makes more sense to replace just that section rather than the entire knee. A partial knee replacement treatment does not affect the ligaments in the front and rear of the knee. It is always best to maintain the body’s natural structure and motion as much as possible.
Also, a partial joint replacement procedure is less stressful on the body than a full joint replacement procedure. Less bone and soft tissue dissecting are required for partial knee replacement. The treatment also causes minimal blood loss. Individuals who have partial knee replacement recover more quickly. Nonetheless, the revision rate may be higher than a total knee replacement surgery on the opposite side.
The procedure takes around two hours and is done under spinal, epidural, or general anaesthetic. Patients often have this surgery done when non-surgical therapeutic methods fail to alleviate symptoms.
Finally, having the correct patient for the treatment is critical to a successful outcome. Nonetheless, it is believed that only 6% to 10% of individuals are candidates for partial knee replacement.
The revision operation is a repeat surgery to address any issues that may arise soon following the procedure. The worst part about revisions is that they are more difficult than primary operations.
The ideal patient possesses the following characteristics:
- Over 60 years of age
- Fewer than 180 pounds and less active
- Before surgery, he had an excellent range of motion.
- Has only a little malformation
Individuals who have inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are not considered suitable candidates for partial knee replacement. Inflammatory arthritis frequently affects more than one compartment.
When should a partial knee replacement be performed?
The knee is sectioned into three compartments: the interior (medial), outside (lateral), and front (anterior).
When the cartilage in one section of the knee gets damaged, but the cartilage in the other portions remains normal, you may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement.
Over time, advances in the design of unicompartmental prostheses have been made. Consulting an expert like Dr Rik Kundra, who has worked with partial knee replacements, is a major plus!
Dr Rik Kundra is proficient in determining if a patient is a candidate for partial knee replacement and has extensive experience performing partial and total knee replacement surgery.
Total knee replacement surgery
The diseased cartilage and bone on the surface of the knee joint are removed or replaced with the help of artificial components made of various materials.
A total knee replacement surgery is recommended for people with severe osteoarthritis or chronic knee pain.
Understanding which compartment of the knee is injured aids in deciding on the type of joint replacement required.
Compared to a partial knee replacement, the procedure delivers a complete repair. Whole knee replacements have a lower revision surgery rate than partial knee replacements.
Who needs total knee replacement surgery?
Suppose you’re a typical candidate for a total knee replacement. In that case, you’ll have painful arthritis damage extending across the joint and uncorrectable deformity in the knee, which means you won’t be able to straighten it fully. In certain circumstances, total joint replacement can restore function, stability, and pain-free movement.
On the other hand, total knee replacement requires a longer procedure and recuperation time, is more expensive (though it normally lasts longer), and the new joint may seem artificial compared to the original knee. Yet, the outcomes can be spectacular for patients suffering from pain and limited mobility for years.
Need guidance through your knee replacement? Dr Rik Kundra can help!
Now that we have covered the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement let us guide you in the right direction.
Dr Rik is a Dubai-based specialist knee surgeon specialising in joint preservation, biological knee repair, and complex knee problems.
He is an expert in the most recent minimally invasive, bone-preserving, and recovery-enhancing techniques in knee replacement surgery, and he takes a conservative approach with his patients.
Book your appointment here!
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.