Knee replacement surgery is an option for people who have damaged joints due to arthritis or other degenerative bone disorders. There are several types of knee replacement procedures, partial, total and bi-lateral being the most common. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), over half a million knee replacement procedures are performed each year in the United States.
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement removes only the most damaged part of the knee and replaces it with a component made of metal and plastic. It is less invasive, causes less trauma to the knee and heals faster than a complete knee replacement.
Partial knee replacements are sometimes called unicompartmental because they affect only half of the knee. According to Bonesmart.org, it is usually the center compartment of the knee that wears away the fastest and needs to be replaced. The outer compartment and the front compartment that houses the knee cap can also show wear and tear, but usually not as severe as the inside compartment
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacements are an option when bone deterioration is so severe that mobility is affected and pain becomes unbearable. A complete knee replacement is when the cartilage and the ends of the bone are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components that perform similar functions to the knee joint itself. The ends of the bone are replaced with metal plates with plastic pieces that are put in place to act as cartilage.
Total knee replacements usually have incisions ranging from 8 to 10 inches long and may take from six to eight weeks to heal completely, states the AAOS.
Bilateral Knee Replacement
Bilateral knee replacements are done in cases of advanced bone disease that has damaged both knees. Bilateral knee surgery replaces both knees at the same time. This reduces recovery and rehabilitation time by half, according to Bonesmart.org. To be considered for bilateral knee replacement, the patient must be in good health with no other serious illnesses or problems.
