While having half of an operation might sound appealing, patients must understand the differences between total and partial knee replacement surgeries and understand that each has unique outcomes following surgery.

The knee joint contains three compartments that must work in unison to function normally: medial (medial), lateral, and patellofemoral/anterior. 

Each of these parts may be individually replaced during partial knee replacement surgery, or all three can be replaced simultaneously in total knee replacement surgery. Partial or hemi knee replacement is cheaper and will improve function. However, some patients must consider long-term issues first before making their decision. Here, we will check about the major differences between these two surgeries. 

Understanding Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Until recently, partial knee replacement was done only on elderly patients whose ligaments are in control, whose deformity of the knee is minimal, and who could move their knee without any pain. Today, this operation is open for younger patients who suffer from pain and other symptoms in one portion of the knee.

Because a partial knee replacement is a less extensive surgery, it is easier, quicker, and more complete recovery. It also leads to result in higher satisfaction than the full knee replacement surgery. Complications of the surgery, like blood loss, blood clots, and transfusion, tend to be less likely following partial replacement of the knee. On the other hand, long-term results show that a partially replaced knee can last only as long as the components in a total knee replacement.

Consequently, even if the partial knee replacement operation saves most of your knee tissues, there is still a possibility of the meniscal tear and arthritis in other parts of the knee. In case a partial knee replacement fails, one can undergo a full knee replacement with a high probability of success. The best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Jaipur can help decide which surgery is the best option for your condition. 

 

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement involves extracting damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of a knee joint and replacing them with artificial components made of various materials. Understanding which compartment has suffered damage helps determine which joint replacement type should be chosen.

 

Total Knee Replacement Surgeries have become revolutionary treatments, providing many patients with a way to regain function and enjoy life again, often lasting 10-15 years or more. While total knee replacement requires longer surgeries with higher rates of complications and greater costs than partial ones, their lifespans tend to outlive them over time. Physical therapy sessions will likely take more time upfront; eventually, though, the knee won’t feel quite like your own one. 

There may be potential drawbacks associated with total knee replacement surgeries. Yet patients who make good candidates tend to experience greater satisfaction, higher functional scores, and longer-lasting replacements than non-candidates. Also, total knee replacement provides more comprehensive repair compared to partial replacement. Also, it has lower revision surgery rates compared with partial ones.

Walking and Other Low-Impact Activities Following Surgery

Physical therapy assists in the recovery process and enables patients to restore normal levels of mobility following any knee replacement.

Though after total knee replacement surgery some type of walking assistance is available to patients, most of them are usually able to walk without assistance on their own after a few weeks. Patients, in most cases, can already resume swimming, biking, and running with minor restrictions after 3-4 months have passed since the surgery.

It possibly takes six months to a year to achieve the fullest strength and mobility.

Recovery for the partial knee replacement takes less time than the total knee replacement thus giving a possibility of resuming normal activities after three to six weeks. Though many candidates for a knee replacement have more than one different areas that have damage or disease, total knee replacement provides more effective results.

Potential Outcomes Following The Surgery

Both total and partial knee replacement can be very successful for patients who qualify as candidates, provided their expectations match up with each procedure’s risks and benefits. 

It is vital to discuss this matter with your surgeon so your expectations match what kind of surgery is right for you. Both procedures involve replacing elements within the joint itself, so remember their limitations for activity restrictions. Either of the procedures can withstand high-impact sports like running marathons. Hence, proper care of any total or partial knee replacement will increase its longevity greatly. 

Final Words

An orthopedician will carefully assess you and conduct several tests to select the process most suited to you. Your medical history, type of pain, and mobility needs all play into your decision. For those experiencing severe knee discomfort that medications and therapies don’t help alleviate, knee replacement could provide relief. It will help get you back to living an active life more quickly and comfortably. To know more about your options, visit Ginni Devi Hospital and get a consultation and opinion from our experts.