Difference between knee resurfacing and knee replacement

January 25, 2024

Knee problems are common in many people, especially in the elderly. One of the medical conditions that knee problem patients often suffer from is arthritis. Patients with arthritis usually look for a reliable treatment option that will give them relief. When deciding on a treatment option, knee surgery is one of the alternatives. Now, knee surgery is basically of two types that include knee resurfacing and knee replacement. Depending on your condition and some other factors, your doctor may decide which surgery is suitable for you. Undergoing surgery is a big decision and you ought to choose a surgery option wisely. 

Knee replacement surgery

Also called knee arthroplasty, a knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that involves damaged knee replacement. Your surgeon will use plastic and metal parts for capping the bone ends. This helps in forming a knee joint with the kneecap. If you suffered a serious knee injury or have arthritis, this knee replacement surgery is for you. The surgery helps to relieve the pain that the patient is suffering from. You must go for this surgery if medicines and any other kinds of treatment do not help you. 

 

Knee resurfacing surgery

Partial knee replacement or knee surface replacement is an option for removing only the damaged part of the knee. If the cartilage of your knee is damaged, your surgeon will suggest you undergo partial knee replacement. Also, an injury to the underlying bone of an affected knee part requires this knee resurfacing surgery. A benefit of this surgery is that you get to save the healthy part of the knee. Simply put, this type of surgery involves a conservative approach towards knee surgery. A doctor mostly suggests knee resurfacing surgery when only a part of the knee is affected. 

 

Choosing the right option

Whether you must undergo knee resurfacing surgery or a knee replacement surgery depends on your condition. Your doctor will evaluate your overall condition and consider your age as well as severity. This will help to determine which of these surgeries will have more benefit in your particular case. Knee resurfacing has a short recovery time but it also comes with a few limitations. So, you and your doctor can together decide on the right surgery for you. 

Sohana Hospital has the best Orthopaedic surgeon backed by a team of dedicated professionals. With advanced technology, our specialists use top equipment to diagnose and treat your condition. Visit us today and get your knees checked by our top consultants. 

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