Of all the orthopedic surgeries performed in the world, the most common is knee replacement. It is a surgical intervention meant to eliminate pain, restore mobility, and generally improve life in patients suffering from severe knee joint damage. There are three general types of knee replacement surgery:

1. Total Knee Arthroplasty,  commonly known as Total Knee Replacement.
2. Partial Knee Arthroplasty, also called Partial Knee Replacement.
3. Revision knee arthroplasty, also called revision knee replacement surgery.

There are several different types of knee replacement surgeries, and knowing each one will better prepare a patient and his or her family to make more informed choices regarding treatment and recovery options.

Anatomy of the Knee Joint

The human knee is considered the largest and one of the most complex joints of the body. It connects the femur, tibia, and patella to form two major articulations:

• Tibiofemoral joint: Major hinge joint between the femur and tibia.
• Patellofemoral joint: This is a joint where the patella, also known as the kneecap, meets the front part of the femur.

Working in conjunction with the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid, they provide for both smooth movement and stability. These parts often suffer wear and tear over time due to aging, arthritis, injury, or obesity.

Common causes of knee joint damage include:

• Osteoarthritis -Degenerative joint disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Surgeons recommend knee replacement surgery for such cases to reinstate the function of the joint, as conservative treatments with medications, physical therapy, or injections fail to work.

Total Knee Arthroplasty (Total Knee Replacement)

Definition

In particular, a total knee arthroplasty refers to the complete replacement of the knee joint surface with artificial components. Surgery consists of the removal of damaged bone and cartilage from the femur, tibia, and possibly the patella, after which implants made of metal and plastic are installed, restoring the most natural movement of the joint.

It represents the most common procedure for knee arthroplasty, and generally, it is indicated in advanced arthritis where multiple parts of the knee are involved.

Benefits

• Long-term pain relief: Most patients have a significant decrease in chronic knee pain.
• Improved mobility and alignment: The artificial joint provides for smooth motion and stability.
• Success Rate: Many studies have reported that, with proper care, a total knee replacement can last 15–20 years or longer.
• Improved quality of life: Patients are able to resume various low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming.

Indications (When It Is Used)

Indications for total knee arthroplasty include:

• Patients with severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the whole knee
• Those whose legs are deformed, as bow-legs, or knock-knees:
• That group of patients who have not responded to medication, physiotherapy, or injections.

Partial Knee Arthroplasty (Partial Knee Replacement)

Definition

PKA is a partial knee replacement whereby only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced while salvaging as much as possible of the good, sound bone, cartilage, and ligaments. The knee has three compartments: the medial or inner one, the lateral or outer one, and the patellofemoral or front one. PKA targets only one of those compartments.

This is considered to be less invasive than a total replacement, because not as much bone is removed.

Benefits

• Faster recovery: Small cuts and less traumatized tissue mean faster rehabilitation.
• Better knee function: The procedure spares more of the patient’s own natural bone and ligaments; therefore, it provides a more “natural” feel of the knee.
• Less post-operative pain and inflammation, with a shorter stay in the hospital.
• Less complicated revision options: If this is necessary, any subsequent double knee replacement surgery or revision knee arthroplasty will be easier.

Indications (When It Is Used)

Indications for partial knee replacement include:

• Patients with arthritis confined to only one compartment of the knee.
• Those who have a good range of motion and also have strong ligaments.
• Patients who require only less invasive surgery with shorter recovery periods.

It is not ideal for arthritis that has spread to multiple parts of the knee or in cases with severe ligament instability. Partial knee arthroplasty, if appropriately selected, yields excellent results with long-term preservation of the joint.

Revision Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement Revision Surgery)

Definition

Revision knee arthroplasty, more commonly referred to as revision knee replacement surgery, is done when a previous knee replacement surgery fails or wears out after some time. It is a much more complex operation because the old implants are taken out and replaced with new ones that often require special techniques in rebuilding bones or restoring alignment.

Benefits

• Restores the stability of the joint by replacing loose or damaged implants and/or correcting mechanical problems.
• Relieves pain: It treats the complications associated with infection, wear, or implant failure.
• This enhances mobility because patients can regain lost function after the initial degradation of the prosthesis.
• Revision surgery today is more reliable than ever, with advances in both materials and technique.

Indications (When It Is Used)

Indications for revision knee arthroplasty include the following:

• Loosening or wear of the implant after long-term use.
• Infection of the artificial joint
• Instability of the joint, or recurring stiffness.
• Fractures involving the prosthetic joint

While revision knee arthroplasty is in many ways much more challenging than the original surgery, often this is the only method by which function can be reestablished after a complication has occurred. Advanced imaging, custom implants, and robotic assistance are means employed by surgeons at Peking University International Hospital in optimizing such challenging cases.

Care at SunMoon

SunMoon is a professional international medical service provider dedicated to connecting global patients with China’s top orthopedic resources. Through strategic collaboration with the expert team at Peking University International Hospital, we integrate advanced 3D printing medical technology with rigorous clinical safety standards.

We provide international patients seeking treatment for severe knee joint conditions with a specialized and efficient medical pathway.