There’s a common myth that partial knee replacement is only for older individuals or those with severe knee issues. In reality, this procedure has proven to be a highly effective solution for many people, including younger, active individuals, helping them maintain their lifestyle. However, despite its success, there are still several misconceptions surrounding partial knee replacement. We spoke to Dr Basavaraj CM, HOD and Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, who debunked these myths and explained how partial knee replacement works, who it’s for, and why it could be the ideal solution for those dealing with knee arthritis.
Myths and Facts About Partial Knee Replacement
Myth 1: Partial Knee Replacement is Only Suitable for Older Patients
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that partial knee replacement is exclusively for elderly patients. In reality, age is not the sole determining factor for this procedure. The decision is based on the extent of joint damage, the location of arthritis, and the patient’s overall health and activity level.
“Partial knee replacement is best suited for patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee. This often includes younger, active individuals who experience localised pain and functional limitations,” said Dr Basavaraj. Partial knee replacement allows for better joint movement by preserving more of the natural knee structure, making it particularly suitable for patients who wish to maintain an active lifestyle.
Also Read: Don’t Wait On Knee Replacement: Expert Explains Why Delay Can Worsen Your Pain
Myth 2: Partial Knee Replacement is Less Effective than Total Knee Replacement
Another common misconception is that partial knee replacement is less effective or inferior to total knee replacement. This is far from true. For patients with isolated arthritis in one knee compartment, partial knee replacement can provide equally effective pain relief and functional improvement compared to total knee replacement.
In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, leaving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact. This leads to:
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced surgical trauma
- Better range of motion post-surgery
According to a 2021 study, it was found that 60% of patients reported their knee ‘always’ felt natural post-surgery, and 35% said it ‘sometimes’ felt natural.
Myth 3: Partial Knee Replacement Has a Higher Failure Rate
There is a misconception that partial knee replacement has a higher failure rate, leading to revision surgery. While no procedure is entirely free of risk, advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology have significantly improved the success rate of partial knee replacement.
“When performed on carefully selected patients, partial knee replacements can last for 15-20 years or more, comparable to the lifespan of a total knee replacement. Proper patient selection, combined with the expertise of a skilled orthopaedic surgeon, ensures optimal long-term results,” added Dr Basavaraj.
It is important to understand that not all knee arthritis progresses to affect the entire joint. In cases where arthritis remains localised, partial knee replacement provides an excellent, durable solution.
Also Read: Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery: Doctor Explains Long-Term Benefits
Myth 4: Recovery is Similar to Total Knee Replacement
Many patients believe that the recovery process for partial knee replacement is the same as that for total knee replacement. In reality, recovery from partial knee replacement is significantly faster. A 2020 study found that most people experience improvements in function, pain, and stiffness within six months of surgery. As the procedure causes less disruption to the knee joint, patients experience:
- Less pain post-surgery
- Shorter hospital stays (often discharged within 24 hours)
- Quicker return to daily activities and work
Most patients can resume walking without significant assistance within 2-3 weeks and return to low-impact activities, like swimming or cycling, within 6-8 weeks. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure plays a crucial role in accelerating the recovery process.
Myth 5: Partial Knee Replacement is Not Suitable for Active Individuals
Contrary to popular belief, partial knee replacement is particularly beneficial for active individuals. Preserving healthy tissue and ligaments allows better joint function, enabling patients to return to an active lifestyle, including sports and exercise.
For individuals who experience localised knee pain while physically active, partial knee replacement offers a targeted solution that alleviates discomfort while maintaining mobility and flexibility.
Bottomline
Dr Basavaraj concluded, “Partial knee replacement is a proven and highly effective procedure for patients with arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. It provides excellent outcomes, including pain relief, quicker recovery, and a more natural joint function. If you are experiencing localised knee pain, consult with your orthopaedic surgeon to determine whether partial knee replacement is the right solution for you. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, this procedure can help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]
link