Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: What’s the Difference?

When persistent knee pain begins to affect your daily activities and quality of life, surgery may be necessary. 

The two main surgical options are partial vs full knee replacement, each with its own indications, benefits, and recovery pathways. Understanding the difference is key to making an informed decision, guided by a specialist.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) targets damage in just one of the knee’s three compartments: medial, lateral, or patellofemoral. The remainder of the joint is preserved, including healthy cartilage, bone, and surrounding ligaments.

This approach is typically recommended for patients with:

• Isolated osteoarthritis in one compartment

• Intact ligaments and good knee stability

• Healthy weight and good range of motion

Benefits of partial knee replacement:

• Smaller incision and less invasive procedure

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster recovery time

• Reduced pain and swelling

• Preservation of more natural knee movement

What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement involves resurfacing all three compartments of the knee. Damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and polyethylene. This surgery is generally recommended for patients with widespread arthritis or more severe joint degeneration.

Key reasons a total knee replacement may be recommended include:

• Advanced osteoarthritis affecting multiple compartments

• Joint deformity or instability

• Limited range of motion despite non-surgical treatment

Benefits of total knee replacement:

• Comprehensive joint restoration

• Long-lasting results for severe arthritis

• Improved stability and alignment

Comparing Partial vs Full Knee Replacement

Feature	Partial Knee Replacement	Total Knee Replacement
Surgical Area	One compartment	Entire joint
Procedure Time	Shorter	Longer
Hospital Stay	1–2 days	2–3 days
Recovery Timeline	Faster	Slower
Pain Levels	Generally less	Potentially more
Joint Feel	More natural	May feel more artificial
Revision Risk	Higher	Lower over time
Ideal Candidate	Localised damage	Advanced arthritis

Recovery Time for Partial vs Total Knee Replacement

The recovery time for partial knee replacement vs total knee replacement can differ significantly.

• Partial knee replacement:

• Crutches or a walker are usually needed for 1–2 weeks.

• Return to light daily activities in 3–4 weeks.

• Low-impact sports like swimming or cycling are often resumed within 6 weeks.

• Total knee replacement:

• Assistive devices may be required for up to 3–4 weeks.

• Basic activities often resume after 6 weeks.

• Full recovery, including return to moderate physical activity, may take 3–6 months.

Both procedures benefit from a personalised rehabilitation plan. Tools such as robotic knee replacement can support precision in surgical alignment, improving outcomes in both cases.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between partial and total knee replacement depends on the extent of the damage and your health status. A partial knee replacement might offer a quicker return to function if only one compartment is affected, but it does carry a higher risk of requiring revision surgery if arthritis progresses.

While involving more initial recovery, a total knee replacement may offer better long-term outcomes for patients with more extensive joint deterioration.

A consultation with an experienced  orthopaedic knee specialist such as Mr David Sime is essential for a tailored recommendation.

Expert Surgical Care with Mr David Sime

Mr David Sime, a highly experienced knee specialist in Melbourne, provides comprehensive orthopaedic care to patients across Victoria. With expertise in total knee replacements and robotic knee replacements, as well as knee realignment surgery, Mr Sime tailors each treatment plan to your specific condition.

Patients benefit from:

• Detailed pre-operative assessments

• Clear guidance on expected outcomes

• High-precision surgical techniques

• Evidence-based post-surgical care

To explore your treatment options and understand which knee replacement procedure suits your condition, book a consultation with Mr David Sime, a leading  orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne, with a strong track record in knee reconstruction and replacement procedures.

FAQs — Partial vs Full Knee Replacements

• Is partial knee replacement less invasive than total knee replacement?

  Yes. Partial knee replacement involves a smaller incision and typically causes less disruption to surrounding tissues.

• What are the main differences in recovery time?

  Partial knee replacement recovery is typically quicker, with most patients resuming activities in 4–6 weeks. Total knee replacement may take 3–6 months for full recovery.

• Can a partial knee replacement be upgraded to a total later on?

  Yes. If arthritis spreads to other compartments, a revision surgery may convert the partial replacement to a total knee replacement.

• Which procedure has better long-term success?

  Total knee replacements generally last longer, especially in patients with widespread joint damage.

• Is robotic technology used for both types of surgery?

  Yes. Robotic Knee Replacement systems enhance accuracy and alignment in both partial and total procedures.