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What are the differences between a total knee replacement and a partial knee replacement?

Jay Patel

Jay Patel

A patient who experiences persistent knee pain or stiffness, difficulty standing or walking, or deformity in the knee joint may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. However, the decision of which surgery to undergo depends on the extent and location of damage in the knee joint.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (abbreviated TKR or TKA), as the name suggests, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial implant (all 3 compartments of the knee joint are replaced). This procedure is done for patients who have advanced arthritis in the entire knee joint (or at least in more than one compartment), severe pain, ligamentous instability, and limited mobility.

TKA 31

Partial Knee Replacement

Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement (abbreviated UKA), involves replacing only the damaged or affected portion of the knee joint. This is done when the arthritis or other conditions are limited to one part of the knee, typically in the medial (inner side) or lateral (outer side) compartment. The benefit of a partial knee replacement is that it may require a smaller incision, less blood loss, and a relatively quicker recovery period. This surgery has typically less margin for error so it should be done by surgeons well versed in this procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Each Surgery?

Total knee replacement is recommended for patients with severe arthritis or pain that is affecting two or more compartments of the knee joint. Partial knee replacement is recommended for patients with arthritis and pain that is limited to one compartment of the knee joint. Candidates for partial knee replacement may experience pain and stiffness localized to one area of the knee, often with intact ligaments and cartilage in the rest of the joint.

Both total and partial knee replacement surgeries are viable options for patients suffering from knee pain and reduced function. However, the decision to undergo either surgery should be made in consultation with an experienced orthopedic surgeon who can recommend the most appropriate procedure based on the patient’s individual condition, age, and activity level.