Difference Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement

Dr Kevin Lee addressed another Kiss92 FM listener’s question on partial and total knee replacement surgeries. The listener wanted to know the differences between the two surgeries and if any of the surgery is required for his elderly father who suffers from knee pain over the past 5 years.

Dr Lee explained that the human knee comprises of three compartments, with each compartment having their own cartilage and supporting structures. Partial knee replacement is performed only on one compartment of the knee that has worn-out cartilage, whilst total knee replacement is performed on two or three compartments. There are minimally invasive procedures for both types of knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgery is only considered when other conservative treatment options like weight loss, activity modification and physiotherapy are exhausted. The orthopaedic doctor will also have to do MRI scans and X-ray to assess if the patient requires any surgery.