Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement

Chronic knee pain and mobility issues can greatly impact your life, making even the most simple daily activities a struggle. While non-surgical treatments are usually the first line of defence, there comes a point for some people when surgery may be the best option.

When this happens, it’s important to understand that knee replacement is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. There are two primary approaches to knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty): total and partial.

This blog will explore the differences between total vs. partial knee replacement, helping you understand the reasons for each type and their recovery process.

What is a Partial Knee Replacement?

The knee is divided into three main compartments: the medial (inside), the lateral (outside), and the patellofemoral (front, under the kneecap). A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which one of the knee compartments is replaced with artificial components. It is typically recommended when cartilage damage is confined mainly to a single compartment.

A partial knee replacement addresses the damaged compartment of the knee, leaving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the other two compartments intact. This is a generally less invasive approach designed to preserve as much of the knee’s natural structure as possible.

What is a Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement is a more comprehensive procedure. It involves the complete resurfacing of all three compartments of the knee joint. The damaged ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are removed and replaced with metal implants.

Often, the back of the kneecap (patella) is also resurfaced. This surgery is designed to address widespread damage and deformity, providing a completely new, artificial joint to potentially restore function and alleviate pain.

Reasons for Partial Knee Replacement

1. Localised Damage

Partial knee replacement is usually ideal when arthritis or damage is confined to a single compartment of the knee, while the surrounding ligaments and other parts of the joint are healthy. This is most often seen in the medial compartment, which bears the majority of the weight in many people.

2. Preservation of Healthy Tissue

As the less invasive procedure, a partial knee replacement preserves more of the patient’s natural bone and ligaments. This is a significant advantage, as it could lead to a more natural feeling knee, a better range of motion, and a quicker recovery compared to a total knee replacement.

3. Age

While age is not a sole determining factor, a partial knee replacement could be considered for some younger, more active individuals with isolated arthritis who have not had a sports injury that has compromised their ligaments.

Reasons for Total Knee Replacement

1. Widespread Arthritis

This is the most common reason to opt for a total vs. partial knee replacement. A total knee replacement is necessary when arthritis (whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form) has progressed to the point where it affects multiple compartments of the knee, causing extensive cartilage damage and bone-on-bone friction.

2. Severe Pain and Disability

When chronic and debilitating knee pain severely limits a patient’s ability to perform daily activities like walking, standing, or climbing stairs, a total knee replacement is often the next step. This is especially true when conservative treatments have been exhausted and a partial knee replacement is not a suitable option due to the extent of the damage.

3. Significant Deformity or Instability

Advanced arthritis can cause visible deformities, such as a severe bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance. It can also lead to significant instability in the joint, making the knee buckle or give way unpredictably. A total knee replacement could effectively correct these issues, restoring proper alignment and stability.

Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement Recovery

Hospital Stay

Patients who undergo a partial knee replacement typically have a shorter hospital stay, often just one to two days. In contrast, a total knee replacement usually requires a hospital stay of three to five days to manage pain and ensure initial mobility.

Rehabilitation

Both procedures require dedicated physical therapy, but the initial phases can feel very different. Due to its less invasive nature, a partial knee replacement generally results in less immediate post-operative pain. This could then allow patients to start and progress with their rehabilitation exercises more quickly, leading to a potentially earlier return to normalcy.

Total knee replacement, on the other hand, often involves a longer and more intensive rehabilitation process to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and a full range of motion.

Return to Activities

As mentioned above, partial knee replacement patients may be able to resume daily activities sooner. The partial knee replacement recovery timeline is generally a few months.

Meanwhile, the total knee replacement recovery timeline is longer, ranging from four months to eight months, depending on the individual. Additionally, total knee replacement patients usually need to adopt a phased approach to returning to normal daily activities, exercise, and work over several months.

Choosing Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement

Understanding what the difference between partial and total knee replacement is is the first step, but a professional assessment with a knee specialist is key to identifying the most appropriate and effective care for your condition.

Experiencing Knee Discomfort?

By understanding the reasons to get knee replacement surgery and the differences between total vs partial knee replacement surgery, you can be more confident in your journey toward a potentially pain-free life. If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain that’s disrupting your daily life and believe it may be time to consider surgical options, an evaluation with a healthcare professional is essential.

Book a consultation with our experienced surgeons to get a full assessment of your knee health today.