Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

Our knees help us walk, run, jump, sit, and stand. These are among the most important joints in our body. But sometimes, with age, with injury, or because of certain diseases like arthritis, the knee may become weak or painful. When medicines and exercise and other treatments do not work, doctors suggest a surgery called replacement.

Knee involves the removal of the damaged parts of the which are then replaced with artificial parts. These artificial parts make the knee move smoothly once again. Such surgeries are safely performed by experts like the best knee replacement surgeon in Ahmedabad.

There are two major kinds of knee replacement:

  1. Partial Knee Replacement
  2. Total Knee Replacement

Let us understand the difference in a simple and easy way.

What is partial knee replacement?

A partial replacement means only the damaged part of the is replaced. The knee has three main sections, so if only one section is damaged, the doctor replaces just that part.

When is it used?

A partial knee replacement is advised when:

  • • Only one side of the knee is affected
  • • The remainder of the knee is normal
  • • The pain is localized to a specific area
  • • The patient is active and healthy

Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement

  • • Smaller incision during surgery
  • • Less pain post operation
  • • Faster recovery
  • • Feels more like a natural knee

Disadvantages 

• Not suitable for people with serious arthritis 

• If another part of the knee gets damaged later, another surgery may be needed 

For this reason, partial knee replacements are generally indicated for younger and/or more active patients with damage to only one part of the knee.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement means replacing the entire joint. This is done when the knee is badly damaged or when all sides of the knee are painful.

When is it used?

Total knee replacement is advised when :

  • • Damage to the entire knee joint
  • • Severe intensity of the pain
  • •Unable to stand or walk
  • • Medications and psychotherapy are of little benefit

Advantages of Total Knee Replacement

  • • Long-lasting effects
  • • Pain relief throughout the knee
  • • Improved mobility and flexibility
  • • Suitable for older patients with severe knee problems

Disadvantages

  • • Longer healing time
  • • Larger surgery than partial replacement

After carefully examining the, a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Ahmedabad makes a decision as to whether the patient needs a partial or total replacement.

How Do Doctors Decide Which Knee Replacement is Right?

An orthopaedic doctor Ahmedabad looks at

  • • X-rays or scans
  • • The amount of the knee damaged
  • • Pain level
  • • Age and activity of the patient
  • • Medical history

Both surgeries are safe, and the right choice depends on how damaged the knee is. Only trained specialists like the best knee surgeon of Ahmedabad will be able to choose the right surgery.

Other Treatments Before Knee Replacement

Before surgery, doctors try many treatments such as:

  • • Physiotherapy
  • • Pain-relieving drugs
  • • Exercise
  • • Knee support belts
  • • Injections If these do not help, then the doctor may suggest knee.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery 

Many are concerned about the costs involved. The knee replacement surgery cost in Ahmedabad depends on:

  • • Type of surgery
  • • Hospital facilities
  • • Doctor’s experience
  • • Type of artificial knee used

In most cases, knee surgery is affordable and gives long-term relief to patients.

What About Spine Problems?

Sometimes people with knee pain also suffer from back pain. In such situations, treatments like endoscopic spine surgery in Ahmedabad or Spine Surgery in Ahmedabad are available. These treatments help people stand and walk comfortably again. Orthopedic and spine experts work together to give complete care.

Life After Replacement

After replacement, most people feel much better.They can:

  • • Walk without pain
  • • Easily climb stairs
  • • Comfortably do daily activities

Doctors may recommend physiotherapy to strengthen the knee. A replaced knee, if well cared for, may function well for many years.

Which One Should You Choose?

The answer is simple. You should choose the surgery that your doctor recommends.

  • • If only one part of the is damaged, partial replacement is better.
  • • If the entire damaged, total replacement is the right choice.

Always visit an experienced orthopedic specialist or the best knee surgeon in Ahmedabad to know what is correct for you.