Understanding the Difference Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement
There are different cases where knee replacement surgery helps to alleviate the suffering of patients whose knees have been damaged. The patient's condition is then carefully assessed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon to recommend a partial or a complete knee replacement.
When Is Knee Replacement Needed?
A case of arthritis, loss of cartilage, or knee joint damage can lead to persistent pain that cannot be alleviated using drugs or other forms of treatment, such as physiotherapy. Such conditions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and inability to move easily.
Purpose of the Procedure
The main goal is to alleviate pain, improve the range of motion, and increase overall functionality of the affected area. Modern procedures also strive to retain all possible healthy tissues.
Understanding Partial Knee Replacement
The surgeon may suggest a partial knee replacement when there is an issue with only one compartment of the joint. Partial knee replacement also goes by the name of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. It has certain beneficial features like;
Less Invasive: With partial knee replacement, less bone and soft tissue need to be removed as opposed to a total knee replacement, where the whole joint is resurfaced.
Shorter Recovery Time: As compared to patients who underwent total knee replacement, partial knee replacement patients recover much faster.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement
When multiple compartments of the knee suffer from arthritic issues, total knee replacement is the most effective treatment. During the procedure, the affected joint surface gets resurfaced with prosthetics.
Joint Surface Reconstruction: Total knee replacement can help restore proper functioning of the knee joint in cases of osteoarthritis and knee joint degeneration.
Relief from Pain for a Long Time: In some cases, knee replacement surgery may provide a solution for chronic knee pain and result in considerable improvement in one's life.
How Surgeons Decide Between the Two Procedures
There are many variables that influence the decision. These are severity of the cartilage degeneration, age, activity, alignment of the knee joint, and others.
Based on various tests performed by an orthopedic surgeon, each procedure should be considered individually for better results.
Conclusion
Partial and total knee replacement are two effective methods that help in relieving pain in the knee joints. Each type is characterized by its advantages and disadvantages.
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