A partial or total knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when knee joints are worn or damaged from overuse, injury or health conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
When the cartilage that cushions the joint degrades or is worn away completely, the bones rub together and become scraped and rough. This causes inflammation known as osteoarthritis, which results in pain and stiffness that make walking and other movement difficult. The implants used in knee replacement are smooth like the surfaces of a healthy knee.
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Knee Implant |
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How to Know if You Need A Knee Replacement
- Reduced mobility
- Persistent or reoccurring pain
- Pain while resting
- Pain that prevents you from sleeping
- Difficulty performing daily activities, such as walking or using stairs
- Knees are stiff, swollen or deformed, such as bowing in or out
Any one or combination of these symptoms may mean you need a partial or total knee replacement.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is a surgical treatment option for some patients who have arthritis in only one portion of the knee and the other regions (or “compartments”) of the knee remain healthy or not significantly damaged.
During a partial knee replacement surgery, the bone surfaces of only one compartment of the knee joint are removed and replaced with implants. The implant − which may also be called a prosthesis − takes the place of the damaged area of the knee, leaving the other compartments intact.
Partial knee replacement surgery treats and removes the arthritis and will decrease your pain tremendously. It can also improve your knee’s stability. Compared to a total knee replacement, most people who undergo a partial knee replacement experience less pain and a faster recovery. Not all people with knee arthritis are candidates for a partial knee replacement, however. This is something you will discuss when you meet with your orthopedic surgeon
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment option for patients who have arthritis in more than one part of the knee. During the procedure, the surgeon resurfaces the knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic implants are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint.
A robotic knee replacement is similar to a traditional knee replacement. Your surgeon removes damaged tissue in your knee and replaces it with an artificial joint. The difference is that it's done with assistance from a robotic arm or handheld robotic device (depending on the robotic system used for your surgery). Your surgeon will work with you and help you decide which surgery is best for you.