Partial Knee Replacement vs. Total Knee Replacement
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, about 600,000 people in the United States have knee replacement surgery each year. Whether a patient needs total knee replacement or partial knee replacement depends on the condition of the various parts of the knee. Here’s what you need to know about both knee replacement options:
What is a Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement is surgery to replace only one side of the knee joint in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis that affects only one area. If you have osteoarthritis that is limited to one of the three compartments of the knee, you may be a good candidate for a partial knee replacement.
Benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement
- Patients undergoing a partial knee replacement surgery usually have less blood loss and spend less time in the hospital.
- Recovery time after the procedure is quicker and there tends to be less postoperative pain.
- Patients can have improved comfort and a more natural feeling than a total knee replacement.
Click here for more information about a partial knee replacement performed by Dr. Fuchs.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement is performed to treat pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis of the knee. There are typically four steps in a knee replacement:
- Preparing the bone
- Positioning the metal implants
- Resurfacing the patella
- Inserting a spacer
Click here for more information about a total knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Surgeon in the Seattle Area
If you’re suffering from knee pain that interferes with your daily life, contact Dr. Fuchs, orthopaedic knee specialist. Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Fuchs specializes in utilizing the latest in orthopaedic technology to provide patients in Kirkland, WA with the best orthopaedic care. Dr. Fuchs will take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have to help determine if you are a candidate for a partial or total knee replacement. Call our orthopaedic office in Kirkland at (425) 823-4000, or schedule an appointment online.