Total Knee Replacements and Partial Knee Replacements

Having to consider getting a knee replaced itself can be daunting to a lot of people. Their will come a time when there will have to be decision made to whether you will have a full knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

Now of course prior to this point you have been in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon and, they have considered you a good candidate for surgery. Not everyone for instance will be able to withstand the surgery for one reason or another. Determining whether you have the option of having either a partial knee replacement or need a full replacement will depend on the condition of the knee and the overall wear and its locations.

There are some surgeons that do not do partial replacements and will prefer the full replacement only. There are a number of reasons for this but it will depend on their preference. With a partial knee replacement there are several advantages.

1. Less recovery time. Generally you are back on your feet in 3-5 weeks depending on your overall condition. With a total knee replacement you can expect 6-8 weeks in recovery.

2. Less time spent in the hospital after surgery. With a partial replacement you have the surgery one day and may come home the next if there are no complications. With a total replacement you can expect a minimum of 3 days in the hospital and up to 5 in some cases. Again this depends on after surgery results and if there are complications or not.

3. The partial knee replacement can be converted to a full replacement later down the road if needed. With a partial knee replacement the conversion is rather simple, with a full replacement this becomes a more invasive procedure when having to do a revision again with a longer rehabilitation process involved as well.

Depending on who you talk with there may be several more benefits between the two but, the three listed are the major ones to consider.

When it comes to the rehabilitation of the two I have found working with both for a number of years that the partial replacement progress is rapid when it comes to pain and flexibility due to the fact its less invasive and less tissue destruction involved and, the major ligaments are preserved as well. Both however I have found get very good results if they are cared for properly during recovery and not pushed beyond their ability to recover after exercise.

If you surgeon feels a partial replacement will suffice in your case and is willing to do it then by all means have it done and save yourself time and maintain a excellent quality of life as well.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.