By Elizabeth 
When severe knee arthritis and injuries are present, a knee replacement is an effective procedure to reduce pain, improve mobility, as well as restore the quality of life. If you’re considering knee-replacement surgery, it is important to recognize that there are essentially two types: total (TKR) and partial (PKR). Although both procedures are meant to alleviate knee pain or dysfunction, each procedure takes a different amount of time to complete. The article below will explain the time differences of total and partial knee replacements and how long does knee replacement surgery take.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): A Comprehensive Procedure
Total knee surgery is more common than the other two types. In a TKR, all of the components in the knee are replaced. These include the femoral component and the tibial component. This procedure is recommended when the patient has severe knee arthritis or significant damage to both the bones and cartilage.
Duration and Surgery:
How long, on average, does it take to replace a total knee? Usually, the process takes one to two hours. This time period includes anesthesia injection, preparation of the surgery site, and actual replacement of joint parts. The surgeon will remove all damaged parts of your knee and replace them with prosthetics made of plastic, metal, or a mix of both. After the prosthetics, the knee must be carefully examined for proper alignment before surgery can be completed.
The recovery time following total knee replacement surgery tends to be longer than the recovery after partial knee reconstruction surgery. Most patients spend several days at the hospital for pain management, observation, and monitoring following the procedure. Full recovery can take up to six months. After the first three months, most patients have seen a marked improvement in their mobility. But it can take up to 12 months for the knee to heal fully and for patients to be able to return to their usual activities.
Partial Knee Replacement: A Less Invasive Option
Partial knee surgery, also known by the name unicompartmental reconstruction, is a minimally invasive alternative to TKR. In this type of surgery, only the damaged portion is replaced. Healthy bone and tissue are not affected. This procedure can be used for those with localized knee injury, such a arthritis affecting just one part of their knee (e.g., lateral, medial, or patellofemoral).
Duration And Surgery:
The partial knee replacement procedure tends to be faster than the total knee replacement. PKR is usually completed in 1 to 1.5 hrs, depending on how complex the knee joint is and what damage it has. In a PKR, only a partial knee joint replacement is performed, so less tissue needs to be removed. This results in a faster operation than with a TKR.
The recovery time for partial replacement of the knee is generally shorter than for total replacement. Because the procedure is non-invasive and requires smaller incisions than a total knee replacement, there will be less pain and inflammation. Many patients can walk a few hours after surgery and are back to doing light activities in four to six weeks. However, full recovery can take from 3 to 12 months, depending on the speed of healing.
A Key Factor Influencing The Surgery Duration
Although there are significant differences in the time taken for total and part knee replacements, many factors can impact how long each surgery lasts. These factors include:
- Surgeon’s Experience: Both TKR (Torso Kinetotomy) and PKR (Parotid Kyphosis Reduction) can be performed more efficiently by a surgeon with experience. This could reduce the length of the operation.
- Patient’s health: Patients who are in better physical shape may be able to recover faster and have shorter surgeries.
- Anesthesia Conditions: Depending on the type of anesthesia used (general, regional, or a combination) and any underlying conditions, this can impact the complexity and length of a surgical procedure.
Which Surgery Will You Benefit From?
Whether you decide on a partial or complete replacement will depend on the degree of damage to your knee joint and your general health. Your surgeon evaluates your knee by using imaging tests as well as a physical evaluation to determine the procedure that is best suited for your condition. Partial knee replacements are less invasive than full knee replacements and can be performed faster. However, they may not suit individuals with significant knee damage or arthritis.
If you’re considering knee surgery, talk with your surgeon about how long it will take to recover, as well as which option suits your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between total and partial knee replacements is critical when preparing to undergo the procedure. Total knee replacement usually takes from 1 to 2 hrs, whereas partial knee replacement can be done in 1 to 1,5 hrs. Partial replacements are faster to recover from, although both procedures require some form of rehabilitation. In order to assist you in choosing the optimal operation, your doctor will provide suggestions based on your unique requirements as well as those of your family.