Partial vs Total Knee Replacement — The Key Differences Explained

Partial vs total knee replacement — key differences in surgical scope, recovery, ACL preservation, and how robotic surgery has expanded partial candidacy · Dr. Cory Calendine, MD · Franklin/Nashville

The knee has three compartments — medial, lateral, and patellofemoral. Total knee replacement addresses all three. Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement targets only the damaged compartment when the remaining compartments are healthy and knee ligaments are intact. The difference goes well beyond surgical scope.

Partial knee replacement preserves the ACL and healthy cartilage in unaffected areas, allowing the knee to retain more of its natural function. Studies consistently show partial knee replacement patients describe the joint as feeling more natural during walking and daily activity, with higher rates of return to sport and improved range of motion compared to total replacement. Recovery is significantly faster.

Not every patient qualifies. Arthritis must be confined to a single compartment, ligaments must be functional, and deformity must not be severe. Current research estimates 10 to 20 percent of knee replacement candidates may qualify — and advances in robotic-assisted surgery have expanded that eligibility by addressing the historically demanding technical precision the procedure requires, resulting in better implant positioning, longer-lasting results, and improved satisfaction.

Both procedures are proven and effective. The key is accurate diagnosis, careful patient selection, and a surgeon experienced in both techniques — because choosing the right procedure is just as important as performing it well.

Serving patients across Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Spring Hill, Columbia, Murfreesboro, and greater Middle Tennessee.

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𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗗𝗥. 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘, 𝗠𝗗
Orthopedic Surgeon · Franklin/Nashville, Tennessee
Serving patients across Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Spring Hill, Columbia, Murfreesboro, and greater Middle Tennessee.
700+ hip & knee replacement surgeries per year. Specializing in Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Subvastus (muscle-sparing) Knee Replacement, and Direct Anterior Hip Replacement.

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Видео Partial vs Total Knee Replacement — The Key Differences Explained канала Bone Doctor