Q. What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?

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Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Partial knee replacement and total knee replacement are both surgical procedures to address knee joint damage, but they differ in terms of the extent of the joint replaced. Here are the key differences:

Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement):

1. Scope: Only a portion of the knee joint is replaced. This procedure is suitable when arthritis or damage is confined to one compartment of the knee (either the medial or lateral compartment).

2. Preservation of Healthy Tissue: In a partial knee replacement, the surgeon aims to preserve as much of the healthy, undamaged knee tissue as possible. This includes retaining the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in some cases.

3. Smaller Incision: The surgical incision is typically smaller compared to a total knee replacement.

4. Faster Recovery: Partial knee replacement generally involves a faster recovery compared to a total knee replacement. Patients may experience less pain and regain knee function more quickly.

5. Potential for Better Range of Motion: Since only a portion of the knee is replaced, some patients may achieve a more natural range of motion compared to a total knee replacement.

Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty):

1. Scope: The entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components. This includes the femoral, tibial, and patellar components.

2. Indications: Total knee replacement is performed when arthritis or damage affects multiple compartments of the knee or when the damage is extensive, involving the entire joint.

3. Full Removal of Damaged Tissue: In a total knee replacement, all damaged or arthritic tissue in the knee joint is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.

4. Larger Incision: The incision for a total knee replacement is typically larger than that for a partial knee replacement.

5. Longer Recovery: Recovery from total knee replacement may take longer compared to partial knee replacement. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential components of the recovery process.

The choice between partial and total knee replacement depends on various factors, including the extent of knee joint damage, the location of the damage, and the overall health of the patient. The decision is made by the orthopedic surgeon after a thorough evaluation of the individual case.