Partial knee replacement (also known as unicondylar knee replacement) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing only a portion of the damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. This type of surgery may be an option for individuals with damage confined to one side (condyle) of the knee.
Full knee replacement (also known as total knee replacement) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial joint. It is typically recommended for individuals with more severe knee damage, such as advanced osteoarthritis, that affects all three compartments of the knee.
Both partial and full knee replacement procedures can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility for individuals with knee problems. The specific type of surgery that is best for an individual will depend on the severity of their knee damage, their age, and other factors. It is important to discuss the available options with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.