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Types of Knee Replacements

More than 300,000 people have had knee replacement surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic. A knee replacement is an operation to allow increased mobility after part or all of the knee has deteriorated through injury or aging. Knee replacement surgery technology has come a long way, yet the success of the surgery depends in part on the individual's health and post-op rehabilitation efforts. Several types of knee replacements are performed, each with its own rehab requirements and level of pain.

  1. Total Knee Replacement

    • Total knee replacement, or TKR, is the type of surgery you'll have if your entire knee joint and connective tissue are damaged beyond repair. An artificial joint made of metal or plastic will take the place of your natural knee joint.

    Partial Knee Replacement

    • Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental, replaces only the part of the knee that is most damaged. This is an ideal type of surgery for people who have damage because of arthritis.

    Bilateral Knee Replacement

    • Bilateral replacement means that both knees will be operated on at the same time. This procedure is not as common as either a TKR or a partial replacement, but does occur in some arthritis patients. Recovery and rehab is shortened significantly when both knees are replaced at once.

    CAS Procedures

    • Computer-assisted surgery, or CAS, is a type of surgery used with TKR to help the surgeon align the prosthesis more accurately. A more precise placement of the artificial knee joint can make recovery time and future effectiveness of the replacement better.

    Minimally Invasive

    • Knee replacements can be done with small incisions that are minimally invasive, and thus, heal more quickly. Minimally invasive procedures are normally done with total knee replacements, but may not be appropriate, depending on your overall health.

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