Partial Knee Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA

Joint Replacement Surgeons in Pittsburgh, PA

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Common questions

What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?

A partial replacement resurfaces only the worn section of the knee and keeps the healthy parts, while a total replacement resurfaces the entire joint. Partial replacement typically means a smaller incision and a quicker early recovery, but it only works when the arthritis is limited to one area.

Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?

Candidates typically have arthritis confined to one part of the knee with healthy ligaments and good motion. Imaging and an exam by a surgeon determine whether a partial replacement is an option.

Can a partial knee replacement be converted to a total one later?

Yes. If arthritis later spreads to other parts of the knee, a partial replacement can typically be revised to a total knee replacement. Your surgeon can explain what that would involve.

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