Knee pain can slowly change the way you live. A short walk becomes difficult. Stairs become tiring. Getting out of a chair may hurt. Even simple activities such as shopping, travelling or spending time with family can start feeling like a challenge.
When medicines, physiotherapy, injections and other non-surgical treatments no longer provide enough relief, knee replacement surgery may be considered.
But “knee replacement” does not mean there is only one type of procedure.
Depending on the extent and location of joint damage, your age, activity level, ligament condition, bone quality and overall health, an orthopaedic surgeon may consider total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, patellofemoral replacement or revision knee replacement.
Understanding these options can help patients and families have a more informed discussion with their surgeon.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged portions of the knee joint and resurfacing them with artificial components.
In a total knee replacement, the damaged surfaces of the thighbone and shinbone are replaced with metal components, with a medical-grade plastic spacer between them. The kneecap may also be resurfaced depending on the individual case.
The main goal is not simply to “replace the knee.”
The goal is to:
- Reduce chronic knee pain
- Improve mobility
- Restore everyday function
- Correct certain knee deformities
- Help patients become more independent
- Improve overall quality of life
The type of knee replacement is selected according to what is actually damaged inside the knee, rather than simply the patient’s age or severity of pain.
What Are the Different Types of Knee Replacement Surgery?
The major types include:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
- Revision Knee Replacement
There are also different approaches and technologies that may be used during these procedures, including robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Let’s understand each one.
1. Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is the most commonly performed type of knee replacement.
Despite the name, a total knee replacement does not mean that the entire knee is removed. The surgeon resurfaces the damaged portions of the joint with artificial components.
When is total knee replacement considered?
It may be recommended when arthritis or joint damage affects multiple areas of the knee and causes significant symptoms.
Common reasons include:
- Advanced osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis
- Severe post-traumatic arthritis
- Significant knee deformity
- Persistent pain despite non-surgical treatment
- Major difficulty with walking or daily activities
If cartilage damage is widespread across the knee, replacing the affected joint surfaces may provide a more suitable solution than replacing only one compartment.
What happens during total knee replacement?
The surgeon generally:
- Removes damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone
- Prepares the femur and tibia
- Places metal components
- Inserts a plastic spacer between the components
- Evaluates the kneecap and may resurface it when appropriate
- Checks knee movement and stability
The exact implant design and surgical plan depend on the patient’s anatomy and clinical requirements.
2. Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement, also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, is different from a total knee replacement.
The knee has three major compartments:
- Medial — inner side
- Lateral — outer side
- Patellofemoral — front of the knee
If arthritis is limited mainly to one compartment, only that damaged area may be replaced. The healthier portions of the knee can be preserved.
Who may be suitable for partial knee replacement?
A patient may be considered for partial knee replacement when:
- Arthritis is limited to one compartment
- The remaining cartilage is reasonably healthy
- The knee has good ligament stability
- There is suitable range of motion
- There is no significant inflammatory arthritis affecting the entire joint
Your surgeon may examine your knee, assess ligament stability and review X-rays before deciding whether partial replacement is appropriate.
What are the potential advantages?
Because less of the knee is replaced, partial knee replacement may involve a smaller surgical area.
For appropriately selected patients, it can offer:
- Preservation of healthy knee structures
- Smaller incision
- Potentially quicker early recovery
- Less disruption to the rest of the knee
However, partial knee replacement is not automatically better than total knee replacement.
It is appropriate only when the pattern of knee damage fits the procedure.
3. Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
The patellofemoral joint is located at the front of the knee, where the kneecap moves against the thighbone.
Some patients develop arthritis that is predominantly limited to this area.
In selected cases, a patellofemoral replacement may be considered instead of replacing the entire knee.
When may it be considered?
A patient with pain primarily around the front of the knee and arthritis confined to the patellofemoral compartment may potentially be a candidate.
However, the rest of the knee needs to be assessed carefully.
If arthritis is also significantly affecting other compartments, a different type of knee replacement may be more appropriate.
This is why simply knowing where your knee hurts is not enough to determine which surgery you need.
Your surgeon needs to understand where the cartilage damage is and how the entire knee is functioning.
4. Revision Knee Replacement
Revision knee replacement is sometimes described as a “second knee replacement.”
It is performed when an existing knee replacement develops a significant problem that requires another operation.
Revision surgery is different from primary knee replacement. It is generally more complex and requires careful planning.
Why might a knee replacement need revision surgery?
Possible reasons include:
- Implant loosening
- Infection
- Implant wear
- Instability
- Fracture around the implant
- Significant bone loss
- Other mechanical complications
Depending on the problem, the surgeon may replace one component or several components of the existing implant. Some complex cases may require specialised implants, bone grafts or metal augments to address bone loss.
The objective is to restore stability, relieve pain and improve knee function as much as possible.
What Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is not a separate type of replacement based on how much of the knee is replaced.
Instead, it is a technology-assisted method that can be used during certain knee replacement procedures.
The surgeon uses detailed planning and robotic technology to help with aspects such as alignment and bone preparation.
The important point is:
The surgeon remains in control of the operation.
Robotic technology does not independently decide what should be done to your knee.
Whether robotic-assisted surgery is suitable depends on your individual condition and the surgeon’s assessment.
Total vs Partial Knee Replacement: What Is the Difference?
The most common question patients ask is:
“Should I get a total or partial knee replacement?”
There is no universal answer.
| Feature | Total Knee Replacement | Partial Knee Replacement |
| Area treated | Multiple/most damaged areas | One damaged compartment |
| Healthy structures | More of the joint is resurfaced | More healthy knee is preserved |
| Suitable for | More widespread arthritis | Arthritis limited to one compartment |
| Ligaments | Depends on implant and surgical plan | Important to have suitable ligament function |
| Recovery | Individual and progressive | May be quicker in selected patients |
| Decision | Based on overall knee condition | Based on carefully selected anatomy |
Partial knee replacement can be an excellent option for the right patient, while total knee replacement may be more appropriate when arthritis is widespread.
The best procedure is the one that matches your knee—not simply the one that sounds less invasive.
How Does a Surgeon Decide Which Knee Replacement You Need?
Choosing the right type of knee replacement requires more than looking at an X-ray.
Your surgeon may consider:
Location of your pain
Is the pain mainly on the inner side, outer side, front or throughout the knee?
Extent of arthritis
Imaging helps determine how much cartilage and bone have been affected.
Ligament stability
The condition of the knee ligaments can influence whether a partial knee replacement is suitable.
Knee movement
A very stiff knee may not be suitable for certain partial replacement procedures.
Age and activity level
Your expected activity level and long-term goals are important when discussing treatment.
Bone quality and overall health
Your general medical condition, bone quality, weight and other health factors can influence surgical planning and recovery.
Previous surgeries or injuries
A previous fracture, ligament surgery or earlier knee replacement can change the surgical approach.
This personalised assessment is why online comparisons cannot replace an orthopaedic consultation.
What About Knee Replacement Implant Types?
Another important point is that “type of knee replacement” can also refer to the implant design, not just the surgical procedure.
Knee implants can differ in:
- Design
- Material
- Fixation method
- Bearing mechanism
- Ligament preservation
- Component configuration
Implant selection depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, knee condition, age, weight, activity level and general health, along with the surgeon’s experience with the implant.
Patients should feel comfortable asking their surgeon what implant is being recommended and why it is appropriate for their knee.
What Is Recovery Like After Knee Replacement?
Recovery is different for every patient.
The type of surgery is one factor, but recovery also depends on:
- Age and general health
- Muscle strength before surgery
- Pain control
- Physiotherapy
- Ability to follow rehabilitation instructions
- Presence of other medical conditions
- Support at home
The focus after surgery is usually on gradually improving:
Pain → movement → strength → balance → walking → daily activities
You may initially need a walker or another walking aid. As strength and balance improve, you can gradually progress according to your surgeon and physiotherapist’s advice.
The aim is not simply to walk after surgery.
It is to walk safely and regain useful everyday function.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is generally considered when knee pain and loss of function significantly affect your quality of life and non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
You may want to discuss knee replacement with an orthopaedic specialist if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty walking
- Increasing stiffness
- Difficulty standing from a chair
- Reduced ability to work or exercise
- Dependence on pain medicines
- Increasing difficulty performing normal daily activities
Knee replacement is usually an elective procedure rather than something that needs to be rushed. The decision should be based on symptoms, examination, imaging and your individual goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of knee replacement is best?
There is no single best type for everyone. The appropriate procedure depends on the location and severity of arthritis, ligament condition, knee movement, anatomy and overall health.
Is partial knee replacement better than total knee replacement?
Not necessarily. Partial replacement can be beneficial for carefully selected patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment. Total knee replacement may be more appropriate when damage is widespread.
Is robotic knee replacement a type of knee replacement?
Robotic-assisted surgery is better understood as a technology-assisted approach that can be used during certain knee replacement procedures. It does not replace the surgeon’s decision-making.
Can knee replacement improve quality of life?
The primary goals of knee replacement are to reduce pain and improve function. For appropriately selected patients, successful knee replacement can help them return to everyday activities with greater comfort and independence.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Implant longevity varies between individuals and depends on several factors, including implant design, activity, body weight, surgical factors and overall health. Your surgeon can discuss what may be realistic for your particular situation.
Choosing the Right Knee Replacement Is a Personal Decision
Hearing that you “need a knee replacement” can feel overwhelming.
You may immediately start wondering:
Total or partial?
Robotic or conventional?
Which implant?
How long will recovery take?
Will I be able to walk normally again?
These are important questions—but the answers should come from an assessment of your knee, your health and your goals.
Modern knee replacement offers several surgical options, from total knee replacement to carefully selected partial procedures and revision surgery when an existing implant develops problems.
The right choice is not about choosing the most advanced-sounding procedure.
It is about choosing the procedure that is medically appropriate for your knee and your life.
Get Expert Guidance for Knee & Hip Replacement
If persistent knee or hip pain is affecting your mobility, independence or quality of life, an expert orthopaedic evaluation can help you understand your treatment options.
Dr. Kevin Choksey provides specialised care for patients considering knee and hip replacement, including personalised assessment and advanced joint replacement options.
Explore your treatment options and take the next step toward better mobility and a more active life with Dr. Kevin Choksey.