If you’re struggling with severe arthritis in your knee, you’re not alone. Over 54 million American adults experience the painful symptoms and loss of mobility that come with knee arthritis. When more conservative treatments are no longer effective, it could be time to think about joint replacement.
At his private practice in Houston, Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, helps men and women reclaim their quality of life and end knee pain using partial and total knee replacement surgeries. Many of our patients wonder which type of surgery is right for them.
While both surgeries involve the knee, partial and total knee replacement have major differences. And each type of surgery has its own benefits and outcomes.
Some people assume it's better to have part of the knee replaced rather than the entire joint. But the right type of joint replacement depends on many factors. Here’s a closer look at each type of knee replacement and which could be right for you.
To best understand knee replacement surgery in general, you need to understand how the knee joint functions.
Your knee is a complex joint. Working with your tendons, muscles, and ligaments, the three main compartments of the joint help you walk, run, bend, stand, and move. These compartments are the:
We replace all three compartments during a total knee replacement, but with a partial knee replacement, we replace just one compartment.
Most patients who need either type of knee replacement surgery have severe arthritis in their knee. But there are other reasons you might need a knee replacement. Any condition that damages your knee and affects mobility or function can lead to joint replacement, including:
No matter the underlying cause, Dr. Park always has the goal of restoring function to your knee and improving your quality of life. He can use both partial and total knee replacements to do just that.
A partial knee replacement can be effective if the damage to your cartilage only affects one compartment of the knee joint. During the surgery, Dr. Park removes the damaged or diseased area and replaces it with a biocompatible prosthesis.
When you have a partial knee replacement, you keep your own ligaments. In addition, more of your body’s natural structures stay intact and in place. Studies show about 6-10% of knee replacement patients are good candidates for a partial knee replacement.
Most patients return home the same day as surgery, but you need physical therapy for several months to improve your strength and range of motion. You also need to use a cane or walker as you heal.
Partial knee replacements have fewer surgical complications compared to total knee replacements, but this type of surgery also has a higher revision rate. This means you could need additional knee surgery down the line.
The majority (over 90%) of Americans with severe knee arthritis are good candidates for total knee replacement surgery. Severe arthritis triggers deterioration of the cartilage in more than one knee compartment.
During total knee replacement surgery, Dr. Park removes the damaged or diseased parts of your knee and replaces them with prosthetics. Unlike a partial knee replacement, Dr. Park also removes the ligaments.
As a skilled orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Park uses advanced surgical techniques to avoid cutting larger muscles. Most patients stay in the hospital for a day or so after a total knee replacement, and recovery takes longer (10-12 weeks vs. 4-6 weeks after partial knee replacement).
But in both cases, it takes about a year to fully heal after the surgery. And although a total knee replacement takes longer, both during surgery and during recovery, the life of the surgical implant is longer compared to partial knee replacement.
If you have questions or want more information about total or partial knee replacements, connect with an orthopedic expert who understands the difference and can assess your unique situation to make a personalized recommendation for treatment.
Dr. Park evaluates your physical condition and the way your symptoms affect your quality of life.
Generally, if you have severe arthritis pain involving part or all of your knee joint, and it hasn’t or no longer responds well to more conservative therapies, like anti-inflammatories or physical therapy, you may be a candidate for either a partial or total knee replacement.
Learn which type of knee replacement is best for you by calling to schedule a consultation with Dr. Park in Houston, Texas. You can also request an appointment online now.
