Knee Replacement Surgery
Total and partial knee replacement for advanced arthritis and joint damage.
Knee replacement surgery removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces it with an artificial implant, restoring smooth, pain-free movement. Depending on how much of the joint is affected, this can mean replacing the entire knee or only the damaged portion, and the right choice depends on the pattern and extent of joint damage seen on examination and imaging.
Types
Total Knee Replacement
The entire knee joint surface is replaced, used when arthritis affects most or all of the joint.
Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement
Only the damaged section of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone and ligaments elsewhere in the joint.
Revision Knee Replacement
A repeat replacement procedure for a knee implant that has worn out or loosened after many years.
Patellofemoral Replacement
Replacement limited to the joint surface behind the kneecap, for arthritis confined to that specific area.
Common Causes
Knee replacement becomes necessary when the natural joint surface has worn down enough that pain and stiffness are no longer manageable with non-surgical treatment.
- Osteoarthritis - the most common reason, where cartilage gradually wears away with age and use.
- Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune condition that damages joint surfaces over time.
- Post-traumatic arthritis - joint damage developing years after a significant knee injury or fracture.
- Avascular necrosis - loss of blood supply to part of the knee bone, causing the joint surface to collapse.
- Failed previous surgery - an earlier knee procedure that has not relieved symptoms or has deteriorated over time.
Signs and Symptoms
- Knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee
- Swelling that persists despite rest and non-surgical treatment
- A feeling of the knee giving way or feeling unstable
- Pain that disturbs sleep or persists even at rest
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination of the knee's movement, stability, and alignment, combined with X-rays that show the extent of joint space narrowing and bone damage. An MRI is occasionally used to assess soft tissue detail when the diagnosis is less clear from X-rays alone.
Treatment Approach
Surgery is generally considered once non-surgical measures - medication, physiotherapy, injections, and activity modification - no longer provide adequate relief. Whether a total or partial replacement is appropriate depends on how much of the joint is affected, assessed through examination and imaging. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna evaluates the extent of joint damage and discusses realistic outcomes before recommending the most suitable type of knee replacement.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026