Partial Vs. Total Knee Replacement

When it comes to knee replacement surgery, you generally have two different options: partial (less invasive) or total knee replacement. From incision size to recovery times, in this article, we’ll compare the differences between the two and discuss each of their qualification criteria.

To start, total knee replacement is the catch-all procedure performed when the surfaces of your knee joint (tibia and femur) are, for the most part, beyond repair. That is, after years of arthritis, the cartilage and bone are so inflamed and largely ineffective, that the ends of the entire top of the shin bone and bottom of the thigh bone need a completely new surface. During the surgery, all the cartilage gets removed and the ends are shaved down and prepped to receive the new prosthetic: a mix of metal of plastic that’ll serve as your surrogate knee. As with any fairly invasive procedure, it carries a longer recovery time and the potential for other complications. So, for some patients, a partial procedure (aka unicompartmental knee replacement) can make a bit more sense. But what exactly makes you a good candidate for partial replacement and what are its pros and cons? Read on for more…

Criteria for Partial Knee Replacement

As with any surgery, an informed (and hopefully correct) decision hinges on the expertise of the physician, a myriad of high resolution scans and, often most importantly, your goals and expectations. Here’s a general checklist most doctors use during screening:

Total vs Partial

1) Localized area of knee damage – if the arthritis is contained to a certain area of the knee, chances are you’ll still qualify for partial surgery. If it’s more spread out and/or fragmented, that’ll likely rule you out right away.

2) Sedentary lifestyle – if you’re not into sports or don’t exercise all that much, you’re actually a better candidate for partial replacement. Less wear and tear means a higher probability that the rest of your untouched knee (partial cartilage, ligaments, tendons, etc) will last that much longer.

3) Functional Ligaments – since the success of partial knee replacement relies on the structures around the new implant, you’ll almost certainly need a fully intact ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in order to qualify.

Note this is just a partial list and, of course, each case and injury type is unique so be sure to discuss ALL the criteria with your doctor before proceeding. If you do end up qualifying, here are its upsides:

Advantages of Partial Replacements

Right at the top of the list is a smaller incision. Since this method removes less bone tissue and cartilage AND it’s contained to one area, your surgeon will only need about half the incision area (~4 inches) compared to total replacement. Less trauma – both internally and externally – equates to a much faster recovery.

Speaking of recovery, that tends to be slashed in half as well (from my experience). Total knee replacement usually requires you stay in the hospital about 5 days and therapy takes another 4-6 weeks before you start feeling stable and relatively pain-free. With partial replacement, most patients are discharged 1-2 days after surgery, some even the same day. After about 2-3 weeks of therapy, most patients have healed up quite well and can resume most of their daily activities.

Finally, with less cutting and trauma to the actual knee, there are much fewer complications associated with partial. In general, there’s a much smaller risk of infection and bleeding is kept to a minimum.

Closing Thoughts

For the most part, the physical state of your knee will largely determine whether partial knee replacement is even an option for you (if there’s a gray area, don’t feel bad about getting a second opinion). However, if you are in the fortunate position of being able to decide between partial and total surgery, take plenty of time to weigh all your options. For most, saving a few weeks in recovery with partial isn’t really worth it if you end up having to get total knee replacement soon thereafter. Whichever you choose, we wish you a full and speedy recovery!

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

graham moore November 8, 2013 at 3:34 pm

Hi can you please advise – i will be getting a partial knee replacement…will I be able to go hill walking once I have had the op? Any advice would be appreciated regards graham moore

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Nancy M May 11, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Keep in mind that PT is a major role player after your partial or full replacement. Also keep in mind that Icing is also another major player as well. The more active you are icing is highly recommened. Swelling will be with you for a good year as you have had major surgery on a major joint. I found that taping done by PT was helpful. The worst part of my surgery was the spinal and the worst part after was the removal of the staples. The staple removal was over before I knew it. Make sure you follow your Dr’s instructions on before/during and after surgery and that you move those ankles as soon as possible following surgery.

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Douglas November 10, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Hey Graham — you can absolutely resume hill exercises after PKR. Just make sure you give it at least 4-6 weeks before you put too much stress on your knees (especially going downhill). Good luck!

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manipal May 22, 2014 at 6:24 am

Knee and hip replacement is also considered to be an integral part of joint replacement centers. Contact the leading hospitals for joint replacement surgeries.

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Russell G. Namie August 27, 2015 at 6:18 pm

I am considering two procedures: minimally invasive total knee replacement OR robotically guided partial knee replacement. I was seen today by a surgeon who performs the latter. He concluded that the damage is limited to the medial compartment. I had minimally invasive hip replacement three years ago and that was very successful. The same surgeon advises minimally invasive ( quadriceps sparing ) TOTAL knee replacement. Th surgeon who recommended the partial replacement said that he has done about 100. The other guy has more age/experience. Perhaps I should be asking what the likelihood is of needing a total procedure several years later if I do the partial replacement now. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

RgN

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Sinead March 22, 2016 at 3:57 pm

How much does party knee replacement surgery cost in ireland

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Kate Marianchild May 11, 2016 at 11:40 am

An orthopedist has recommended that I have a patellectomy due to stage 4 chondromalacia. The rest of my knee is pretty intact. I am reluctant to have the surgery but I need to lead walks and field trips as part of my work. Three questions: 1) If I do not have the surgery, is the rest of the joint likely to deteriorate? 2) If I heal at a normal rate, how long would it be before I could climb stairs and hills again? 3) Is there a possibility that I should go straight to a TKR?
Thank you!
Kate

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Nancy M May 11, 2016 at 12:40 pm

I had a partial done on my left and I am able to walk up and down stairs and hills and can do a partial jog as well.

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Ann Harvill November 29, 2017 at 7:28 pm

So you are glad you did it? No regrets? How long was it very painful? How long till your able to work again?

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