Knee Replacement Surgery – Types

Knee Replacement Surgery - Types

Knee replacement may be partial or total.

Knee replacement surgery is of two types, partial or unicompartmental knee replacement and total knee replacement. In partial knee replacement, only one half of the knee, usually the inner half is replaced. In total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced.

Partial knee replacement may be attempted if the knee joint is stable and the outer compartment of the knee is minimally affected. Advantages of this procedure over total knee replacement are:

• Smaller incision is needed resulting in less blood loss
• Patient recovers faster after surgery
• Range of motion after surgery is better
• It can be converted more easily to a total knee replacement

Some types of total knee replacement are:

• Rotating knee replacements: A rotating knee replacement permits forward and backward movements as well as some rotatory movement similar to the normal knee.
• Gender specific implants: Some implants are available specific for males or females.
• Custom knee replacement: The prosthesis in custom knee replacement remains the same as the one used in the standard procedure. However, in this procedure, an MRI of the knee is performed initially with the help of which special cutting guides are designed. These guides ensure that the surgeon removes very minimal normal tissue and assist in reducing the duration of the surgery.