Knee pain which makes it difficult to walk, climb stairs or sleep can be very exhausting. If your doctor has not been able to provide relief from knee pain with physiotherapy and medicines, he may recommend knee replacement surgery. But then comes the important question: Should you go for partial knee replacement or full knee replacement?

In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between partial vs. total knee replacement, their benefits and limitations, and how to decide which option is best for your knee health and lifestyle.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement is a procedure in which an artificial implant replaces the defective part of the joint. It can relieve pain and restore the joint's function.

There are mainly 2 types of knee replacement surgeries:

  • Partial knee replacement: The procedure replaces only the damaged areas of the knee.
  • Total knee replacement: It replaces the total knee joint.

Your surgeon can help you decide what option is right for your situation based on factors such as age, lifestyle or level of damage.

What is Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement replace only the damaged side of the leg (normally, this is either the front, the outer or the inner portion). A partial knee replacement is performed by the surgeon, not the entire knee.

1. When is it recommended?

  • The arthritis could only affect one area of the joint.
  • In case you're blessed with strong ligaments, and an extensive range of motion
  • You're not overweight
  • You want to recover faster with more natural movements

2. Benefits of partial knee replacement:

  • Smaller incision and less bone removal
  • Faster recovery time compared to full knee replacement
  • Feels more natural since most of your original knee is preserved

3. Downsides of Partial Knee Replacement

  • Not an option for patients with bilateral/diffuse arthritis.
  • Most likely to be revised to a full knee replacement someday.
  • Higher percentage chance of wear on the remaining natural joint.

What is Full knee replacement?

A knee replacement is also referred to as a full knee replacement. It involves replacing the entire knee with a prosthetic device. This medication is generally recommended for those suffering from serious arthritis or major joint injuries.

1. When is it recommended?

  • If arthritis has spread across the entire knee joint
  • When the knee is fully damaged 
  • If pain and stiffness make everyday activities almost impossible
  • If other treatments haven’t worked at all

2. Benefits of full knee replacement:

  • Long-term pain relief
  • Better function for severely damaged knees
  • Reliable results for advanced arthritis

3. Disadvantages of Full Knee Replacement

  • Longer recovery time compared to partial replacement.
  • It may feel less natural than a partial replacement.
  • It is at a greater risk of complications like blood clots, infection, or even bleeding.

Partial vs. Full Knee Replacement: Which one should you choose?

Partial knee replacement- It is recommended when only one knee compartment is damaged. It allows faster recovery and retains more natural movement.

Full knee replacement- It is necessary when arthritis or injury has damaged the three compartments. It offers long-term relief and improved stability.

It also depends on:

  • How much of your knee is damaged

  • Your lifestyle and age

  • Your activity levels and expectations after surgery

The Role of Your Orthopedic Surgeon

The effectiveness of knee reconstruction surgery whether total or partial. A qualified surgeon will examine your condition, conduct detailed scans and then recommend the best treatment. By doing so, you can avoid unnecessary procedures and obtain the best results.

Conclusion:

The decision between partial or total knee replacement depends on the extent of damage to your knee, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. While partial knee replacement offers a fast recovery and full knee replacement provides long-term relief the joint has been severely damaged by arthritis or an injury.

However, you should never make a decision alone. Consult a specialist to get the best results. Dr. Yugal Karkhur is the best orthopedic surgeon in Gurgaon has to offer. He has over 14 years of experience. You can opt with confidence the treatment that will restore mobility and improve your quality of living, thanks to Dr. Yugal Karkhur's expertise in joint replacement surgery and his patient-focused approach.