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Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: How Doctors Decide What You Need

  • Dr. Hitesh Kubadia
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

If you’ve been told you have knee arthritis, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right type of knee replacement.

Many patients ask:

“Do I really need a full knee replacement?”

“Is partial knee replacement enough?”

“What’s the difference?”


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Choosing the wrong type can lead to poor mobility, ongoing pain, or the need for repeat surgery.This guide clearly explains the difference between partial and total knee replacements and how doctors choose the right option for you.


🦴 Understanding Knee Arthritis

The knee has three compartments:

  1. Medial compartment (inner side)

  2. Lateral compartment (outer side)

  3. Patellofemoral compartment (kneecap area)

Arthritis may affect:

  • Only one compartment → Partial Knee Replacement

  • Two or all compartments → Total Knee Replacement


🔵 What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this surgery replaces only the damaged part of the knee usually the medial compartment (inside part).

Your healthy cartilage, ligaments, and bone are preserved.

Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement

  • Smaller incision

  • Less blood loss

  • More natural knee movement

  • Faster recovery

  • Less post-operative pain

  • Shorter hospital stay

  • Knee feels “more natural” than total replacement

  • Lower risk of complications

  • Better range of motion

Who Is the Best Candidate?

You may qualify for a partial replacement if:

  • Only ONE compartment is damaged

  • ACL is intact

  • No severe deformity (not very bow-legged or knock-kneed)

  • You are moderately active

  • X-rays show isolated arthritis

  • Pain is only on one side of the knee

Most candidates are younger, active patients or those with early-stage arthritis.

🔴 What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

In total knee replacement (TKR), the surgeon replaces all three compartments with smooth, durable implants.

This is the gold standard for widespread arthritis or bone-on-bone damage.

Advantages of Total Knee Replacement

  • Best option for advanced arthritis

  • Long-lasting results

  • Eliminates pain across all compartments

  • Corrects deformities

  • Improves walking & stability

  • Suitable for elderly & active adults

Who Needs a Total Knee Replacement?

Your surgeon may recommend TKR if:

  • Arthritis affects 2 or 3 compartments

  • You have severe deformity

  • X-ray shows bone-on-bone contact

  • You struggle walking, climbing stairs, or sitting

  • You have night pain

  • Physiotherapy and injections no longer help

⚖️ Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Key Differences

Here’s what patients always want to know:

Pain Relief

Partial: Excellent pain relief if arthritis is isolated.

Total: Better for severe, widespread arthritis.

Recovery Timeline

Partial Knee Replacement:

  • Walk same day

  • Resume daily activities in 2–3 weeks

  • Full recovery in 4–6 weeks

Total Knee Replacement:

  • Walk same day or next

  • Resume activities in 3–6 weeks

  • Full recovery in 8–12 weeks

Partial is faster, but only if you’re a suitable candidate.

Longevity

Partial: 10–15 years (sometimes longer) Total: 15–20+ years

Total usually lasts longer because the entire joint is replaced.

Function & Mobility

Partial: More natural knee feel, better range of motion.

Total: Better for long-term stability and correcting deformity.

🧠 How Doctors Decide Which Surgery You Need

Your surgeon evaluates:

1. X-rays and MRI Results

  • Which compartment is damaged?

  • Is arthritis located or widespread?

  • Is cartilage missing?

2. Your Symptoms

  • Pain location

  • Is pain on one side or entire knee?

  • Does pain worsen on stairs, walking, twisting?

3. Ligament Status

  • ACL/MCL must be intact for partial replacement

4. Age and Activity Level

  • Younger adults → partial (if eligible)

  • Elderly or severe arthritis → total

5. Alignment

  • Severe bow-leg or knock-knee → Total replacement

The decision is entirely personalised.

🤖 The Role of Robotic & Minimally Invasive Techniques

Surgeons like Dr. Hitesh Kubadia use robotic systems for:

  • Perfect alignment

  • Custom-fit implant placement

  • Smaller incisions

  • Less muscle trauma

  • Faster recovery

  • Higher implant lifespan

Robotic accuracy improves outcomes in both partial and total knee replacement.

📅 Recovery Timeline for Both Surgeries

Partial Knee Replacement

  • Walk within hours

  • Stairs by week 1–2

  • Normal daily activities: 2–3 weeks

  • Physically active lifestyle: 4–6 weeks

Total Knee Replacement

  • Walk next day

  • Stairs by week 2–3

  • Normal daily activities: 4–6 weeks

  • Full mobility: 8–12 weeks

⚠️ Risks & Complications

Any knee surgery carries risks, such as:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Stiffness

  • Implant loosening

  • Swelling

However, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques significantly reduce complications.

🏥 Why Choose Dr. Hitesh Kubadia for Knee Replacement in Mumbai

  • Robotic-trained joint replacement surgeon

  • Specialist in both partial & total knee replacements

  • Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques

  • 22+ years of orthopaedic experience

  • High success rate & natural-feel outcomes

  • Transparent guidance and personalised plans

The goal is not just pain relief — but natural movement and long-term comfort.

📞 Book Your Consultation

⭐ FEATURED SNIPPET OPTIMISED PARAGRAPH

Partial knee replacement is done when arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee, allowing faster recovery and a more natural knee feel. Total knee replacement is recommended when arthritis damages multiple compartments or causes severe pain, stiffness or deformity. Doctors decide based on X-rays, symptoms, ligament status and knee alignment.


🧩 FAQs

1. Is partial knee replacement better than total knee replacement?

It is better only when arthritis is limited to one compartment. Otherwise, a total replacement is the superior choice.

2. How do I know which one I need?

X-rays, pain location, ligament condition and knee alignment decide the right surgery.

3. How long does a partial knee replacement last?

Most last 10–15 years, sometimes longer with robotic accuracy.

4. Is robotic technology used in both surgeries?

Yes, robotic systems improve precision in both partial and total knee replacements.


 
 
 
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