
Thank you for your health questions! This one comes from PK about knee replacement.
Dear Dr. Olsen:

I am being told it is time for a total knee replacement. For years, I have worn a brace and taken injections in my knee but it doesn’t work anymore. I have heard about a “partial knee-replacement.” What is the difference? Which is better?
Sincerely,
PK
Dear PK,
Health Question: Osteoarthritis of the knee is not a dangerous entity in itself, but as you know, when the pain and functional limitation affects your productivity and quality of life it is time to take action. If the non-operative strategies are not helpful, surgery is the most appropriate next step to consider.
To understand the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement, we must first look at and understand total knee replacement (TKR). TKR involves resurfacing the worn out arthritic surface of the knee. (figure 1) This is classically done by applying a metal surface on the end of the femur, a metal surface on the end of the tibia, and fixing a high-density plastic polyethylene in between. (figure 2).

At our next installment, we will compare total knee replacement to partial knee replacement.
To be continued…
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