Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting comfortably a challenge. If conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, it might be time to consider knee replacement surgery. But how do you decide between a partial knee replacement and a total knee replacement? At OrthoArkansas, we specialize in helping patients make informed decisions about their knee health. With multiple locations across Arkansas and two outpatient surgery centers, we provide comprehensive, care for outpatient knee procedures. Here’s what you need to know about these two surgical options.
What Is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that addresses damage in only one part of the knee joint. This procedure involves replacing the damaged area with a prosthetic implant while preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the rest of the knee.
Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement
- Less Invasive: The surgery typically requires smaller incisions, which means less disruption to the surrounding tissue.
- Faster Recovery: Patients often experience a quicker return to daily activities compared to total knee replacement.
- More Natural Knee Function: Since healthy parts of the knee are preserved, the joint may feel more natural post-surgery.
- Reduced Pain: Targeting only the damaged portion can effectively eliminate pain while minimizing surgical impact.
Ideal Candidates for Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is most effective for patients who:
- Have damage confined to one part of the knee (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment)
- Are in overall good health and have strong surrounding ligaments
- Have not seen improvement with conservative treatments like injections or physical therapy
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement involves replacing the entire knee joint with prosthetic components, including the femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella. This procedure is the most comprehensive solution for widespread knee damage.
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
- Comprehensive Relief: Ideal for patients with severe arthritis or damage affecting multiple parts of the knee.
- Durability: Prosthetic components are designed to last 15-20 years or longer with proper care.
- Improved Mobility: Total knee replacement restores function and significantly reduces pain, allowing patients to resume daily activities.
Ideal Candidates for Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is best suited for patients who:
- Have advanced arthritis or joint degeneration in multiple areas of the knee
- Experience constant pain that affects sleep and daily activities
- Have not found relief with non-surgical treatments like medications or physical therapy
Our Orthopedic Surgeons Will Decide Between Partial and Total Knee Replacement
The decision between partial and total knee replacement depends on the extent of your knee damage, your overall health, and your lifestyle goals. During your consultation at OrthoArkansas, our orthopedic specialists will:
- Perform a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs
- Assess your medical history and current symptoms
- Discuss your activity level and recovery expectations
Based on your consultation your surgeon will recommend the correct knee replacement for you.
Why Choose OrthoArkansas?
At OrthoArkansas, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you find the right treatment for your knee pain. With state-of-the-art surgical techniques and experienced orthopedic surgeons, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from consultation to recovery. OrthoArkansas has two out patient surgery centers that specializes in outpatient procedures to get you back on your feet faster.
With convenient locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Heber Springs, Hot Springs, Clinton, Arkadelphia, Benton, and Monticello, we’re ready to help you take the first step toward relief.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If knee pain is holding you back, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today to learn whether a partial or total knee replacement is right for you. With convenient locations across Arkansas, OrthoArkansas is here to help you get back to the activities you love.
