Dr. Gaurav Singh Bhandari, Director & Unit Head – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgery
As World Arthritis Day approaches on October 12th, millions worldwide reflect on the impact of joint disease. When severe knee arthritis disrupts your life, surgery may become inevitable. But which option is right for you?
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) targets only the damaged compartment of your knee—typically the inner, outer, or kneecap section. Surgeons preserve healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, making it a more conservative approach. The procedure requires smaller incisions, less bone removal, and often means shorter hospital stays with faster recovery times. Patients frequently report that their knee feels more "natural" afterward, with better range of motion.
However, PKR isn't universally applicable. You're a candidate only if arthritis affects just one compartment while your ligaments remain intact. The procedure works best for younger, active patients with localized damage.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is the comprehensive solution. Surgeons resurface all three compartments—medial, lateral, and patellofemoral—replacing damaged surfaces with metal and plastic components. This approach addresses widespread arthritis throughout the joint.
TKR delivers predictable, long-lasting results with documented success spanning 20+ years. It's ideal when arthritis affects multiple compartments, when ligament damage exists, or when inflammatory arthritis is present. The trade-off? Longer recovery periods, more extensive surgery, and occasionally, some patients report the knee feels less natural than their original joint.
The Bottom Line: Partial replacement offers quicker recovery and more natural motion but serves a narrower patient population. Total replacement provides durable, comprehensive relief for advanced arthritis but demands greater patience during rehabilitation.
Your surgeon will assess your arthritis pattern, activity level, age, and overall joint health to recommend the optimal approach. Neither option is universally "better"—success lies in matching the procedure to your specific anatomy and lifestyle needs. So, Let your surgeon decide, which option is better for you.