Knee pain may be due to any reason – arthritis, injury, or something else. But one common aspect is that, besides making life painful, it turns every little daily activity into a challenge. Thankfully, today we have modern orthopaedic surgeries that help restore mobility and give relief from pain.
Two such procedures that have become favoured choices of knee patients are knee resurfacing (also known as partial knee replacement) and total knee replacement. While both these types of knee replacement aim at eliminating pain and improving knee movement, there is a huge difference in terms of procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes.
This blog will help you understand what knee resurfacing is and how it is different from total knee replacement. With this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision regarding which knee surgery would be better for you.
What Is Knee Resurfacing?
Knee resurfacing is a surgical procedure in which your orthopaedic surgeon replaces only the damaged portion of your knee joint with an artificial implant. Instead of removing and replacing the entire knee joint, the surgeon focuses only on the affected compartment of the knee.
The knee joint has three compartments – the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (front between the kneecap and thigh bone). So, with knee resurfacing, only that compartment which is affected is operated upon.
That’s the reason knee resurfacing is also referred to as unicompartmental or partial knee replacement.
It is advised for patients with localised osteoarthritis – just one area of the knee has damaged cartilage, while the remaining joint surface and ligaments are healthy. This assessment about the extent of damage is done with the help of X-rays. Your surgeon may also recommend an MRI to further confirm the analysis.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- A small incision (cut) is made over the affected area of your knee.
- The surgeon carefully removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the particular knee compartment.
- The surgeon then prepares the bone surfaces for the implant.
- They then place an implant over the bone in the affected compartment. (The implants are generally made of metal and designed to mimic the natural shape and movement of the knee joint.)
- Your surgeon may also add a plastic spacer for smooth movement between the artificial metal components.
- The healthy parts of the knee – cartilage, bone, and ligaments – are preserved.
- The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
What Sets Knee Resurfacing Apart?
Young patients and those with localised knee damage often prefer knee resurfacing surgery because of the following features:
- A minimally invasive surgery (smaller cuts)
- Causes less trauma to the surrounding tissue
- Less scarring
- Less pain after surgery
- A knee that feels natural
- Lower risk of blood loss and other complications
- Quicker recovery compared to full knee replacement
However, knee resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. If arthritis has spread to more than one compartment, there is severe bone loss, cartilage has significant damage and bones come in contact with each other, if ligaments are unstable, or if the patient is old and less physically active, total knee replacement is generally a better option.
What Is Total Knee Replacement (TKR)?
Total knee replacement, as the name suggests, is a procedure in which your orthopaedic surgeon replaces the entire knee joint with artificial components. It is also known as total knee arthroplasty.
With this surgery, the surfaces of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and the underside of the kneecap (patella) are replaced.
It is advised for patients with severe or widespread arthritis — all compartments of the knee are damaged, and no other treatments have worked.
Key Differences Between Knee Resurfacing and Knee Replacement
| Criteria | Knee Resurfacing | Knee Replacement (TKR) |
| Extent of Surgery | Only the damaged compartment is replaced. Healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments are left intact. | The entire joint is replaced – multiple compartments of the knee. |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive, with smaller incisions and less bone removal. | Comparatively more invasive – involves removal of all the damaged parts of the knee joint. (Robotic-assisted TKR is much less invasive than traditional TKR) |
| Recovery Time | Shorter hospital stay, physiotherapy for fewer days, and faster return to normal activities. | Often longer recovery with physiotherapy for more days. |
| Suitability | Ideal for patients with damage limited to one part of the knee – younger and more active individuals. | Best for older patients with advanced arthritis, weak or damaged bones, and those with extensive knee damage. |
| Natural Knee Movement | Preserves more of natural knee motion and function as it removes only the damaged part and saves the rest. | Artificial components replace the complete joint, which can slightly affect the natural knee movement. E.g., Deep squatting may be restricted. |
| Longevity and Revision | May need revision surgery later if arthritis progresses to other compartments. | Often a more durable solution that may last for 15-25 years or even entire life. |
Note: Both knee resurfacing and knee replacement can be done using the traditional techniques or with the cutting-edge robotic technology. When we talk about robotic knee replacement surgery, it offers huge advantages over its traditional version. Robotic-assisted knee replacement, whether partial (knee resurfacing) or total knee replacement (TKR), is minimally invasive and significantly reduces recovery time. Even if it is TKR, you start walking with support the same or the next day after surgery. Complete recovery is also faster.
When to Consider Knee Resurfacing
You might be a candidate for knee resurfacing if:
- You have arthritis in only one out of the three knee compartments
- You are a young (below 60) and physically active individual – Preserve more of the natural knee joint and resume your normal routine sooner.
- If you have good bone quality – so that the implant can be fixed properly.
- If your imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs) confirm localised damage.
- You want to retain as much of your natural knee as possible.
- If conservative treatments like medications, physiotherapy, and injections have not helped.
A thorough evaluation by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon is essential to determine the right procedure for your condition. They might also ask you to get X-rays and MRIs for this purpose.
Conclusion
Both knee resurfacing and knee replacement are highly effective surgical options to get relief from chronic knee pain and improve mobility. The key difference lies in how much of the joint is replaced.
While knee resurfacing is a good option for those with limited knee damage, total knee replacement is a complete solution for those with extensive joint deterioration.
Choosing the right procedure depends on factors like your age, activity level, severity of arthritis, and overall health. We advise you to always consult a qualified orthopaedic surgeon to find out which option will suit you better.
Ready to take the next step towards pain-free movement? Speak to a trusted knee specialist today to see if knee resurfacing would be the right choice for you.
