Partial Vs. Full Knee Replacement
What’s the difference between a partial and full knee replacement?
If you are considering the prospect of knee replacement surgery, learn more about what lies ahead. Talk to San Francisco Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht, to alleviate any concerns, and to discuss your surgical options.
Do you need a knee replacement?
For many, knee replacement provides increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved quality of everyday life. The goal of knee replacement is to remove damaged and diseased cartilage and bone, replacing it with artificial joints made from metal, polymers, and plastic. Speaking with a San Francisco knee replacement specialist will help you understand all your options.
If you need a knee replacement, first identify whether a full or partial knee replacement is warranted:
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Full knee replacement surgery:
Depending on the extent of your injuries and the condition of your knee, you may need a full knee replacement. This is a procedure where the entire surface area of the knee is replaced. Some other things to know include:
- After surgery, patients get out of bed the same day and begin physical therapy
- Typically, patients having full knee replacements are able to resume driving at 4-6 weeks and can resume normal activities within three to four months of surgery
While many may feel better within weeks of surgery, for some patients it can take up to a year to fully recover from full knee replacement surgery. When you have a partial knee replacement, recovery time typically can take up to six months.
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Partial knee replacement surgery:
For patients with less severe arthritis, you may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement.
In the case of a partial knee replacement procedure, you need only one part of the knee replaced and will have a much faster recovery. Keep the following in mind when discussing your surgical options:
- Partial replacements are often completed in an outpatient setting (no need to stay overnight in the hospital)
- Since it is only a partial replacement, your knee will feel more natural following surgery than full replacements.
- Following a partial knee replacement, patients usually regain better range of motion and feel more stable than with a full knee replacement, since the ligaments of the knee are left intact.
Talk with a knee replacement specialist in the Bay Area to learn more.
Chronic pain compels many to seek surgical options to replace their knees. Take initiative to speak with Dr. Halbrecht, a knee replacement doctor in the Bay Area to learn more. Don’t compromise your quality of life by putting-off knee replacement surgery. A consultation will help you decide if you are a candidate for surgery to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and give you back the life you deserve.