What are different types of knee resurfacing/replacement?

Knee replacement / resurfacing surgery can be performed as a partial knee replacement or total knee replacement surgery. When there is a severely damaged osteoarthritic knee, the joint completely degenerates then total knee replacement surgery is the preferred procedure, but when a patient with osteoarthritis is limited to just one part of the knee, he/she may be a candidate for partial knee replacement.

There are several different types of knee replacement procedures, depending on the extent of the knee joint damage and the specific needs of the patient.

Some of the common types of knee replacement surgeries include:

1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is the most common type of knee replacement surgery, where the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components. It involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (knee cap), and replacing them with metal and plastic implants.
2. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, usually the medial compartment (inside part) or lateral compartment (outside part), while preserving the healthy parts of the knee. This is a less invasive procedure with a quicker recovery time compared to TKR, but it is only suitable for patients with limited knee joint damage.
3. Revision Knee Replacement: This procedure is performed when a previous knee replacement has failed or requires revision due to complications such as infection, implant loosening, or wear and tear. It involves removing the old implant and replacing it with a new one.
4. Complex or Customized Knee Replacement: In some cases, patients may require complex or customized knee replacement procedures. This may involve using specialized implants or techniques to address specific challenges, such as severe deformities, bone loss, or ligament instability.
5. Bilateral Knee Replacement: This involves replacing both knees in a single surgery, typically performed when both knees are severely damaged and require joint replacement.

The type of knee replacement surgery recommended for a patient depends on various factors, including the extent of knee joint damage, the patient's age, activity level, overall health, and the surgeon's expertise. A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon will help determine the most appropriate type of knee replacement surgery for an individual patient.