Be it persistent knee pain due to end-stage arthritis or a grave injury, knee replacement is generally the best solution. The latest advancements in the field of orthopaedic surgery offer two surgical options. Most of us are aware of the first one – Total Knee Replacement or TKR. The other, lesser known one, is Partial Knee Replacement or PKR. We are going to have a look at both the procedures to help you understand which option would best suit your knee condition and lifestyle.
When Is Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) an Ideal Choice?
Partial knee replacement is advised for patients who have knee damage only in one compartment (or part) of the knee. It typically happens in cases of initial-stage osteoarthritis. In PKR, only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced. Healthy bones and tissues are left intact. This knee procedure allows quicker recovery, less pain, and better joint mobility.
When to Choose Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Total knee replacement is advised for patients who have severe arthritis or extensive knee damage affecting multiple compartments of the knee. In TKR, knee surgeons replace the whole knee joint. It gives relief from pain, and also restores knee movement in patients with advanced knee degeneration.
Partial Vs. Total Knee Replacement – A Sneak Peek
| Feature | Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) |
| Affected Region | Only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced | The entire knee (all compartments) are replaced |
| Who Should Choose | Patients who have damage restricted to only one compartment (E.g. Early osteoarthritis) | Patients who suffer from severe knee damage or advanced arthritis |
| Invasiveness | Less invasive – preserves more of the natural knee | More invasive – replaces all the damaged parts of the knee |
| Recovery Time | Faster recovery (4-6 weeks) | Longer recovery (3-6 months) |
| Durability | May be less long-lasting than TKR because untreated parts may worsen with time | Usually longer-lasting because of total joint replacement |
| How Natural | More natural knee function | Restores movement but may feel less natural (than PKR) |
| Pain Relief | Gives localized pain relief | Gives comprehensive pain relief for advanced cases of knee damage |
| Revision Surgery | More chances of revision knee surgery in future if other parts of the knee get damaged | Lower chances of revision knee surgery because the whole knee is replaced |
Advanced Minimally Invasive Options
With the advent of advanced technology in the medical field, cutting-edge surgical robotic systems, such as the Cuvis Joint Robotic System, have enhanced both TKR and PKR. Now, you have easy access to more precise and personalized robotic surgeries, be it Total or Partial knee replacement.
Whether you intend to restore knee movement for routine activities or look forward to leading a more active lifestyle, both options give you significant relief from knee pain and can hugely enhance your quality of life.
Deciding Between TKR and PKR
You are the best person who knows when your knee problem began, how it progressed, how it affected your mobility, how hard it is to bear pain, and whether you want a solution to it.
You can choose either of the two knee replacement options according to the condition of your knee, how active you are, and lifestyle goals.
While individuals in their fifties with limited knee damage usually prefer PKR, older people or those who suffer from widespread knee damage due to any reason go for TKR.
Elaborating More
The knee has three compartments-
- The medial compartment (inner side)
- The lateral compartment (outer side)
- The patellofemoral compartment (front of the knee, between the kneecap and femur)
Whether you should get PKR or TKR is determined by the condition of the three compartments of the knee. A TKR would be an appropriate choice if at least two out of the three compartments are affected due to arthritis or some other problem.
At Sohana Hospital, specialist knee surgeons perform customized high-tech knee surgeries according to your unique anatomy and requirements. It increases accuracy and improves outcomes to give you a pain-free life.
Thanks to the highly experienced team of knee surgeons and Cuvis robot being used at the hospital, the installation of knee implants is much less painful. Knee replacement with robotics is also safer than traditional knee surgery. Moreover, you recover faster.
Conclusion
We have explained the difference between total knee replacement and partial knee replacement, and how to decide between the two. Apart from that, you can always discuss with expert doctors which knee surgery would be best for you. Once you make up your mind, you should look for the best knee replacement doctor in Punjab, and get things done. You deserve to get a gift of pain-free life.
