Difference Between Total and Partial Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery, a highly successful procedure, is one of the most common surgeries performed in the orthopedic department of the healthcare system in India. In this surgery, the damaged part of the knee is replaced with an artificial implant to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Knee replacement surgery is not suitable for every patient, and it may not be performed in situations where it can be treated with non-surgical treatments. Knee replacement surgery is of two main types that are:

Partial Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement

What's the Difference Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement?

If you are looking for a knee replacement procedure and have to decide about the type of knee replacement surgery, then you should know the main difference between these two procedures to choose the best option.
Difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement:

Total Knee Replacement

In total knee replacement, the complete knee joint, including both the thigh and shin bones, is replaced with a prosthesis. This procedure is performed in severely damaged knees caused by chronic joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Partial Knee Replacement

In partial knee replacement, only a part of the knee joint is replaced with an implant. This procedure is suitable for patients with limited damage to the knee joint, which involves either part of the thigh or shin bone.

How Do you Decide Between a Partial vs Total Knee Replacement?

The decision is not a one-size-fits-all. It's a personalized approach based on the severity and location of the knee damage, your overall health, and your lifestyle goals.

Partial knee replacement surgery cannot be performed on every patient with knee disease. It is only performed on 5% to 10% of patients. Due to the minimal margin for error, partial knee replacement presents greater technical challenges for surgeons than total knee replacements. A minor deviation during partial knee replacement surgery can cause many future complications, such as implant loosening or arthritis development in the uninvolved portion of the knee. However, advancements in robotic technology, surgical instruments, and the latest implants have increased the accuracy of surgery and successful outcomes.

On the other hand, patients who have severe arthritis that affects both sides of the knee and has significant limitations in leg mobility are not suitable candidates for partial knee replacement. In such cases, a total knee replacement is performed.

Benefits and Risks of Partial Knee Replacement

Some of the benefits and risks of partial knee replacement surgery are listed below:

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

Preserves a healthy part of the bone on one side of the knee
Faster recovery as compared to total knee replacement
Less postoperative pain
Allows more natural knee movement and function
Have lower risk of complications such as blood clots and infection
Involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage
Need shorter stay at the hospital

Risks of Partial Knee Replacement

Greater risk of implant loosening or failure
May need future revision knee replacement surgery
Risk of progression of osteoarthritis
Continued knee pain or stiffness
More risk of infection at the surgical site
Blood clots in the legs
Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery
Allergic reaction to anesthesia or implant materials

Who Can Benefit from a Partial Knee Replacement?

You need to understand the difference between total knee replacement and partial knee replacement to get any benefit from the surgical procedures. Partial knee replacement surgery is mostly suitable for patients with limited damage to knee joints. It is also ideal for younger patients with no extensive damage to knee joints. When only one part of the knee joint is involved in a disease or injury, surgeons prefer partial knee replacement over total knee replacement.

How Does Recovery Differ Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement?

One of the main differences between total knee replacement and partial knee replacement is the recovery period. In partial knee replacement, less time is required for recovery because less damage occurs to nearby tissues during surgery. In total knee replacement surgery, both parts of the knee joint are involved in the surgical procedure, and greater injury occurs during the operation, which may require more time for healing and complete recovery.

Recovery after partial knee replacement may range from 4 to 6 weeks, but for total knee replacement, it may last from 8 to 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Total and partial knee replacement are common procedures, but they differ in their benefits, risks, costs, and recovery periods. If you have a concern about the difference between partial and total knee replacement, you should understand the indications of each procedure so that you can choose the best procedure for you.

FAQ's of Total and Partial Knee Replacement

Does a Total or Partial Knee Replacement Have Better Outcomes?

Outcomes depend on the demand or need of each patient for a surgical procedure. Partial knee replacement requires less time for recovery, but it may not be suitable for every patient.