Which Knee Arthroplasty Type is Right for You?

Knee arthroplasty can be a life-changing surgery, but which type is right for you? This guide breaks down the different options and their benefits.

Knee arthroplasty, sometimes referred to as knee replacement surgery, is a popular technique that can assist people with knee difficulties reduce pain and increase mobility. There are various forms of knee arthroplasty, each having advantages and limitations. You can learn more about the various alternatives here and determine which might be best for you.

Understanding Knee Arthroplasty

A broken or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, or prosthesis, during a technique known as knee arthroplasty, sometimes known as knee replacement surgery. Those who undergo the operation often have persistent knee discomfort and limited mobility as a result of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or an injury to the knee.

Knee arthroplasty involves removing the diseased knee joint parts and reshaping the residual bone to accommodate the prosthetic joint parts. The prosthetic joint parts normally include a high level of plastic coating at the top of the tibia bone and a metal alloy coating at the lower part of the femur bone. On occasion, the patella's back may also receive a plastic button.

Types of Knee Arthroplasty

There are three main types of knee arthroplasty:

1. Total knee arthroplasty (TKR)

Total knee arthroplasty, often known as TKR, is a surgical treatment that involves replacing a worn-out or injured knee joint with an artificial joint. Patients who cannot be managed non-surgically for severe knee arthritis, traumas, or abnormalities often have this operation. During the surgery, the knee joint's damaged surfaces are taken out and replaced with plastic and metal parts that have the same shape and motion as a natural knee joint. For those who have the procedure, TKR can lessen pain, enhance knee functionality, and increase mobility.

Advantages of total knee arthroplasty

• Pain relief: Pain alleviation is one of the key advantages of TKR, which can increase movement and overall quality of life.

• Increased mobility: TKR can enhance mobility and restore normal knee function, enabling patients to go about their everyday lives more comfortably.

• Improved joint stability: By increasing joint stability, TKR can lower the possibility of accidents and other injuries.

• Improved overall quality of life: A patient's entire quality of life can be greatly enhanced by TKR by lowering pain and enhancing mobility and function.

Disadvantages of total knee arthroplasty

• Risks and complications: Infection, blood clots, damage to the nerves, and implant failure are risks and probable consequences associated with TKR, just like with any surgical procedure.

• Recovery time: Physical therapy may be required for people recovering from TKR in order to reclaim their endurance and range of motion.

• Limited lifespan of the implant: TKR implants typically survive 10 to 20 years before needing to be replaced.

• Cost: TKR can be costly, and not all patients' insurance plans may cover it.

2. Partial knee replacement (PKR)

The surgical treatment known as partial knee replacement (PKR), often referred to as unicompartmental knee replacement, involves merely replacing the damaged portion of the knee joint with a prosthetic implant. Compared to total knee replacement, which involves the replacement of the entire knee joint, this is different. The recovery period is quicker and there is a lesser chance of problems with PKR.

Patients with knee arthritis that is confined to a single part of the joint are frequently advised to undergo PKR. Although it can also be done on the outer (lateral) compartment or the kneecap, the inner (medial) compartment of the knee is where the surgery is most frequently carried out.

In PKR, the surgeon simply removes the damaged section of the knee joint using a lesser incision than in total knee replacement. The remaining sound bone and cartilage are then used to anchor the artificial implant.

In comparison to total knee replacement, PKR provides several benefits, including a quicker recovery period, a decrease in bleeding during surgery, and a narrower incision. In extreme cases of arthritis, it could not be as successful as a total knee replacement and is not appropriate for all patients.

The lower range of movement compared to a total knee replacement and higher risk of problems in patients with substantial arthritis in other knee regions are some potential drawbacks of partial knee replacement (PKR).

3. Patellofemoral arthroplasty

A surgical treatment known as patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) replaces only the patellofemoral joint, that connects the kneecap (patella) to the thighbone. (femur). Patients who suffer from patellofemoral arthritis, where the rest of the knee joint is healthy, often have this treatment. PFA removes the damaged cartilage and replaces it with a prosthetic implant in order to reduce discomfort and improve the functionality of the patellofemoral joint. This surgery may result in a quicker recovery and greater range of motion than a total knee replacement. However, not all individuals with knee arthritis are candidates for PFA, and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on a few variables, including the severity of arthritis, the patient's age and level of activity, and the surgeon's expertise and skill.

Other types of knee arthroplasty:



Traditional invasive surgery (TIS)

To reach the joint during Traditional invasive surgery, a cut is made down the middle of the knee, and the patella is moved. In comparison to minimally invasive procedures, this method may cause greater tissue damage, need a longer period of recuperation, and have a higher risk of consequences. However, in other circumstances where the harm is done to the knee joint is greater and a more thorough surgical approach is warranted, it can still be necessary.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS)

In order to execute the procedure with less harm to the surrounding tissues, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uses specialized devices and tiny incisions. Compared to traditional invasive surgery, this method for knee arthroplasty allows for total or partial knee replacement with smaller wounds and less discomfort, quicker recovery, and fewer problems.

Patients for minimally invasive knee replacement surgery often have minor knee joint degeneration, fall within a specified weight range, and have no significant medical issues that would make them unfit for surgery. They should also be really committed to recovering from surgery and going through physical therapy. However, not every patient is a good candidate for MIS, as the surgeon must evaluate the patient's health and choose the best course of action for their unique situation.

Computer-assisted surgery

Computer technology is used in computer-assisted surgery, also referred to as computer-assisted navigation or computer-assisted orthopedic surgery, which is a kind of knee arthroplasty. In order to plan the surgery and direct the placement of the implants throughout the process, the surgeon uses a computer to produce a three-dimensional representation of the patient's knee joint. This kind of surgery can increase precision and accuracy, which may result in better results and a quicker recovery. Patients with complicated knee abnormalities or those who have undergone prior knee surgery may benefit from it.

Custom-made implants

Knee implants that are constructed to order, commonly referred to as patient-specific implants, are created to fit the unique anatomy of a patient's knee. Advanced imaging methods, such as MRI or CT scans, are used to produce a three-dimensional representation of the patient's knee for this kind of implant. The implant is then created to perfectly fit the patient's knee's measurements.

Custom-made implants have the advantage that they may offer greater comfort and alignment, resulting in increased function and implant longevity. Furthermore, less bone may need to be removed during surgery, preserving a greater percentage of the patient's own bone.

The negatives, however, are the greater price of the implant in comparison to common off-the-shelf implants and the possibility of longer manufacturing wait periods. Additionally, if the layout or manufacturing procedure is not exact, there may be a danger of implant failure.