It is estimated that over 600,000 total knee replacements are performed in the United States each year.1 Over 90 percent of these patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms.2 Although it is a highly successful procedure, not all patients are good candidates for a total knee replacement (arthroplasty). Some patients are better suited for a partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty).
Most knee surgery candidates are between the ages of 55 and 75 and typically suffer from some type of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis. In order to see which procedure is suitable for you, it is vital to understand the structure of the knee.
The Knee is composed of 3 compartments; The medial (inside portion), the lateral (outside portion), and the patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee). If only one area of the knee is affected and other non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful, then a partial knee replacement may be the best option. This surgery is less invasive and results in a quicker recovery. This may be the best choice if you have isolated damage to only one of the compartments. For patients who have knee damage due to widespread arthritis, partial knee replacement is not generally recommended. A total knee replacement provides a much more extensive repair. The entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components, which are designed to help your knee move as a normal, healthy knee would. The recovery may be slightly longer for a total knee replacement, but most patients recover very well and experience considerable relief from their pain and immobility.
In order to determine which procedure is best suited for you, you would need to be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. They will use many different criteria to determine the best course of action and determine which knee replacement surgery is best for you.
David N. Buchalter, MD specializes in hip replacement surgery at an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical techniques, with proven traditional methods of treatments. The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to each and every patient each and every time.
1.www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/outcomes-statistics-success-rate