Understanding the Different Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common and successful operations for people living with painful, stiff, or damaged knees—most often due to arthritis. But not all knee replacements are the same. Understanding the different types of knee replacement procedures, and what to expect before and after surgery, can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

This is the most common type. In a TKR, both sides of the knee joint (the femur and tibia) are replaced with prosthetic components. The underside of the kneecap (patella) may also be resurfaced if needed.

Best for: People with widespread arthritis affecting the whole knee.

Benefits: Long-lasting pain relief, improved mobility, and correction of deformities such as bow legs or knock knees.

2. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

Also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement. Instead of replacing the entire joint, only the damaged compartment (inside, outside, or under the kneecap) is replaced

.

Best for: People with arthritis limited to one part of the knee, often younger or more active patients.

Benefits: Smaller incision, quicker recovery, more natural knee

movement.

Considerations: Not suitable if arthritis is widespread or in multiple compartments.

3. Patellofemoral Replacement

This is a type of partial replacement that only resurfaces the kneecap and the groove it sits in.

Best for: Patients with arthritis limited to the front of the knee.Benefits: Preserves the rest of the joint, less invasive, shorter recovery.

4. Revision Knee Replacement

Sometimes, a knee replacement wears out, loosens, or becomes infected. A revision procedure replaces the old components with new ones.

Best for: Patients whose first replacement has failed.

Considerations: More complex, longer recovery, and sometimes requires specialised implants.

5. Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Increasingly, surgeons may use robotic technology to guide precise placement of implants, improving accuracy and potentially outcomes, although not occuring in Cornwall yet, as technology evolves, it is likely to become increasingly common.

Best for: Patients seeking highly tailored surgery, available at certain centres.

Benefits: Improved alignment, preservation of healthy bone, and reduced error.

Pre-Operative Advice

• Strengthen your muscles: Prehab (pre-surgery exercise) helps your recovery. Focus on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles.

• Improve mobility: Gentle stretching and low-impact aerobic activity like cycling or swimming can keep your joints supple.

• Optimise your health: Quit smoking, manage weight, and control blood pressure or diabetes.

• Home preparation: Remove trip hazards, arrange support, and set up a comfortable recovery space.

Post-Operative Advice

• Physiotherapy is key: Daily exercises restore mobility, strength, and balance. Start gently and build up under guidance.

• Walking aids: Use crutches or a frame as advised until your walking improves.

• Swelling management: Elevation, ice, and compression stockings can reduce swelling.

• Gradual return to activity: Aim for progressive walking, cycling, and strengthening. Avoid high-impact activities until cleared by your surgeon.

• Patience: Recovery takes time—often 6–12 weeks for major progress, with full recovery continuing for up to a year.

Support with Your Recovery

Recovering from knee surgery can feel daunting, but expert guidance makes all the difference. If you live in Mid Cornwall, Physio at Home provides local, home-based physiotherapy support—helping you build strength, restore mobility, and regain confidence in your own space.

✅ In summary: Whether you need a total, partial, or specialist knee replacement, understanding the options and preparing well can make your surgery and recovery smoother. With good rehabilitation and support, most people achieve excellent results and return to a more active, pain-free life.