Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement: Which Procedure Is Right for You?
If knee arthritis has started interfering with your daily life, you've probably come across two very different-sounding procedures: partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. Both can bring real relief, but they're not interchangeable, and knowing which one fits your situation starts with understanding how they differ.
Dr. Brandon Broome at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists walks patients through this decision every day. Here's what he wants you to know before your first consultation.
What Is a Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement resurfaces the entire width of the joint. The damaged cartilage and bone across the whole knee are removed and capped with artificial components, giving the joint a smooth, stable new surface to move on.
This is the more common of the two procedures, and for good reason: total knee replacement surgery is designed for patients whose arthritis has spread across the joint rather than staying confined to one area.
What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?
A partial knee replacement takes a more targeted approach. Instead of resurfacing the entire joint, only the diseased portion of the bone is treated, whether that's the inner half or the outer half of the knee.
As Dr. Broome explains it:
"If someone has isolated arthritis and it's only on the inner half or only on the outer half of the joint, we can actually do a partial knee replacement, where we only resurface that disease portion of the bone."
Because it preserves more of the patient's own healthy bone and tissue, a partial knee replacement operation can mean a smaller procedure and, for the right patient, a smoother recovery.
Am I a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?
This is one of the most common questions Dr. Broome hears from patients with end stage knee arthritis, and the honest answer is that not everyone qualifies. Partial knee replacement candidates typically need to check a few specific boxes.
In Dr. Broome's words:
"These patients are typically, usually a little bit younger, but they really have to be the ideal candidate, meaning they only have arthritis on that half of the joint. Their overall alignment is still pretty well preserved. And in general, you need a fairly active, non overweight person to be the ideal candidate for that procedure."
In short, ideal candidates usually have:
Arthritis isolated to one side of the knee joint, not spread throughout
Well-preserved overall knee alignment
An active lifestyle
A healthy weight range
If arthritis has spread across the joint or alignment has shifted significantly, a total knee replacement is typically the better, longer-lasting solution.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery: What to Expect
For patients who aren't candidates for a partial replacement, total knee replacement surgery remains one of the most reliable ways to relieve pain and restore mobility. At SAOS, the approach centers on tissue-sparing techniques designed to protect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint, which can support a more comfortable recovery and a quicker return to everyday movement.
Every recovery timeline looks a little different depending on the patient and the procedure performed, which is why your care plan is built around your specific needs from the start.
How Do You Decide Between the Two?
The short answer: you don't have to decide alone. Determining whether a partial or total knee replacement is right for you takes a hands-on evaluation of your arthritis pattern, joint alignment, activity level, and overall health. This is exactly why working with an experienced knee specialist doctor matters so much. The right imaging and exam can mean the difference between a procedure that's a perfect fit and one that isn't built to last.
Ready to Find Out Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Not every practice offers both options, and not every surgeon has the specialized experience to confidently recommend one over the other. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, our knee replacement surgeons take an individualized, concierge-level approach to every evaluation, so you're never guided toward a generic solution when a more targeted one might serve you better.
If knee pain is holding you back, the first step is a conversation with a team who can walk you through your options honestly, including whether a partial or total knee replacement makes the most sense for your life.