{"id":1120,"date":"2026-08-10T08:05:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T08:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diviorthopaedic.com\/blog\/?p=1120"},"modified":"2026-08-18T09:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T09:45:21","slug":"total-knee-replacement-vs-partial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diviorthopaedic.com\/blog\/total-knee-replacement-vs-partial\/","title":{"rendered":"Total Knee Replacement Vs Partial Knee Replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Living with constant knee pain<\/a> <\/strong>can make even the simplest daily activities feel difficult. Climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, or taking a short walk may become painful over time. When medications, exercises, and other treatments stop providing relief, many people begin exploring <\/span>knee replacement surgery<\/b>. At this stage, one common question comes to mind. Should you choose a total knee replacement or a partial one? <\/span>The answer depends on the condition of your knee, the extent of damage, and your overall health. Understanding the difference between these procedures can help you have a more meaningful discussion with your orthopaedic surgeon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Total Knee Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>total knee replacement<\/b><\/a> is recommended when arthritis or joint damage affects all three compartments of the knee. During the procedure, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial components designed to restore movement and reduce pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with severe osteoarthritis<\/a><\/strong>, rheumatoid arthritis<\/strong>, or advanced joint degeneration often benefit from this procedure. Since the entire knee joint is treated, patients usually experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many patients ask, <\/span>what is partial knee replacement surgery<\/b>, especially after hearing that not every damaged knee requires a complete replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>partial knee replacement<\/b><\/a> treats only the damaged section of the knee while preserving the healthy cartilage, ligaments, and bone. This procedure is also known as <\/span>unicompartmental knee replacement<\/b> because only one compartment of the knee is replaced instead of the whole joint.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since less bone and tissue are affected, many patients recover faster and retain a more natural feeling in the knee after surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Not every patient qualifies for this procedure. Doctors carefully examine scans, physical movement, and the extent of arthritis before making a recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are wondering <\/span>who is a candidate for partial knee replacement<\/b>, these are some common factors doctors consider:<\/span><\/p>\n