Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement: Which One Is Right for You?

Knee pain can make everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long hours feel like a challenge. When pain becomes severe and persistent, and medications or physiotherapy stop helping, knee replacement surgery becomes a viable solution. But patients often ask:

"Do I need a total knee replacement or just a partial one?"

At Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital, recognized as the Best Knee Replacement Hospital in Jaipur, we help patients understand the difference between the two procedures and determine which is most suitable based on their condition.

🦴 Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged part of the knee joint and replacing it with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore function.

There are two main types:

✅ Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

Also called unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure replaces only the damaged part of the knee, usually either the inner (medial), outer (lateral), or kneecap (patellofemoral) compartment.

➤ Ideal for:

• Patients with damage limited to one part of the knee

• Early-stage osteoarthritis

• Good range of motion and strong ligaments

⭐ Benefits:

• Smaller incision

• Less blood loss

• Faster recovery

• Preserves more of your natural knee

✅ Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

This is the more common procedure where the entire knee joint is replaced, including the ends of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and often the kneecap (patella).

➤ Ideal for:

• Severe arthritis in multiple compartments

• Advanced joint degeneration

• Significant pain, stiffness, or deformity

⭐ Benefits:

• Complete pain relief in most cases

• Long-term durability

• Better correction of joint alignment

🔍 How Do We Decide Which One You Need?

At the Best Knee Replacement Hospital in Jaipur, we conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes:

• X-rays and MRI scans to determine the extent of damage

• Physical examination to assess mobility and joint stability

• Medical history to evaluate your lifestyle, age, and activity level

We do not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach — each treatment plan is tailored to the patient.

🧠 Key Differences at a Glance

🏥 Why Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital?

As the Best Knee Replacement Hospital in Jaipur, we offer:

• Advanced imaging and diagnostics

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques

• Custom-fit implants

• Dedicated post-op rehab and physiotherapy

• Expertise in both partial and total knee replacement procedures

We are also a trusted Hip Replacement Hospital in Jaipur, offering comprehensive orthopedic care, including shoulder and joint surgeries.

👨‍⚕️ Expert Insight by Dr. Pratul Jain

As a specialist in joint preservation and arthroscopic surgeries, I approach each knee replacement case with careful planning and a patient-specific strategy. Whether it’s partial or total knee replacement, my goal is always to ensure long-term pain relief, mobility restoration, and rapid return to daily life.

In addition to knee surgery, I also practice as a Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgeon in Jaipur, helping patients with shoulder injuries through minimally invasive techniques.

💬 Frequently Asked Patient Questions

❓ Is partial knee replacement less painful?

Yes. Since it's less invasive and preserves more of your natural joint, recovery is quicker and often less painful.

❓ Can a partial knee replacement be converted to total later?

Yes. If arthritis progresses to other parts of the knee, a conversion to total knee replacement is possible.

❓ Which one lasts longer?

Total knee replacements usually have a longer lifespan (15–25 years), but partial implants can also last 10–15 years with proper care.

✅ Final Words

If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain, don't assume surgery means full joint replacement. In many cases, partial knee replacement can be just as effective — with quicker recovery and excellent outcomes.

At Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from diagnosis to full recovery. Whether you need partial or total replacement, we are committed to delivering the best possible results.

Dr. Pratul Jain
Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy Specialist
Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital – Jaipur