Knee replacement is one of the most successful surgeries in orthopedics, with over 90% of patients experiencing pain relief and improved mobility. More than 700,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the U.S., helping people regain active lifestyles.1 If knee pain limits you, knowing the difference between a total and a partial knee replacement can guide your treatment decision.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function in a damaged joint by replacing affected areas with artificial implants. There are two main types of knee replacement procedures: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Partial Knee Replacement (PKR), also known as Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR). The choice between these procedures depends on the extent of joint damage.
Advantages of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR)
Although Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) are both surgical treatments for knee arthritis, UKA has several advantages over TKA for appropriately selected patients:
- Smaller Incision and Less Invasive – UKA requires a smaller incision since you only need to expose one compartment instead of all three.
- Less Invasive – UKA is less invasive because it preserves more of the native knee structures (especially the ACL), leading to less soft tissue disruption.
- Faster Recovery – Patients undergoing UKA generally experience a quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and earlier return to daily activities compared to TKA patients.
- Better Range of Motion – Because UKA retains more of the natural knee joint, it often allows for greater postoperative range of motion compared to TKA.
- More Natural Knee Kinematics – With UKA, the preserved ligaments (ACL and PCL) and other compartments help maintain a more natural knee movement, which can lead to a more normal feeling knee.
- Lower Blood Loss and Fewer Complications – UKA typically results in less blood loss during surgery and has a lower risk of complications like infections, blood clots, and stiffness.
- Potential for Easier Revision Surgery – If the UKA eventually fails, revising it to a TKA is often easier than revising a failed TKA to another TKA.
However, UKA is only suitable for patients with arthritis limited to a single knee compartment, and it has a higher risk of requiring revision surgery compared to TKA. Proper patient selection is crucial for its success.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Your knee condition will be evaluated through imaging and a physical exam to determine the best option. If arthritis is localized, partial knee replacement may offer a quicker recovery and more natural function. However, if arthritis is widespread, total knee replacement provides a more durable and long-term solution.
Advancements in Knee Replacement Surgery
With robotic-assisted knee replacement, both total and partial procedures are now more precise, leading to faster recovery and improved outcomes. Many patients can even go home the same day because of these minimally invasive procedures and enhanced pain management protocols.
If knee pain is affecting your daily life, contact us to explore your treatment options. Whether you need a total or partial knee replacement, advanced surgical techniques can help you regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle once again.
AUTHOR: Dr. Eddie El-Yussif is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in knee replacement. With a commitment to advanced, patient-centered care, Dr. El-Yussif focuses on innovative treatments for knee arthritis and other orthopedic conditions related to the knee. Serving the greater Detroit area, he combines expertise and compassion to help patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life.
Reference:
1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement