What is Partial Knee Replacement, and How is it Different from Total Knee Replacement?
. In total knee replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces of all three bones are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special, precision instruments, our surgeon will typically remove the damaged surfaces. The replacement surfaces will then be fixed into place. The surface of the upper bone is replaced with a rounded metal component that comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone. The surface of the lower bone is replaced with a flat metal component and a slab of ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene plastic to serve as the cartilage, or the entire component may be plastic. The undersurface of the kneecap also may be replaced with a round disc made of the same polyethylene plastic. Partial knee replacement is an option for patients who do not require total knee replacement because some of the joint surfaces are still healthy. In partial knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes only the diseased portion of the knee before placing the implant, leavin
