Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with precisely shaped implants. The goal is not to give you a new knee, but to resurface the worn parts of the joint, to help ease pain and restore function.
The procedure is most commonly performed to address knee osteoarthritis. Knee replacement does not suit everyone with knee pain, and surgery is generally only considered when arthritis is advanced, symptoms are significantly affecting daily life, and other treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Despite the name, the procedure is best thought of as a precision resurfacing. It involves removing a thin layer of damaged bone and cartilage, and replacing it with components to create a smooth, functional joint surface. A total knee replacement resurfaces all 3 compartments of the knee – the inner side, outer side, and (when required) the area beneath the kneecap. It is used when arthritis affects the knee broadly rather than being confined to one area.
The operation is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic and usually takes one to two hours. Most patients stay in hospital for one to three days, though this varies.
A structured rehabilitation program begins promptly after surgery, focusing on managing pain and swelling, restoring movement, rebuilding strength and returning to normal activity.
Total knee replacement is a proven procedure with a strong long-term track record that demonstrates its impact in reducing pain, improving function and increasing quality of life. Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) confirms the longevity of modern knee surgery, with the best-performing combinations showing a revision rate of less than 5% at 15 years.
A partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee replacement) may be an option when arthritis is confined to just one part of the knee, most often the inner compartment. Rather than resurfacing the entire joint, only the affected compartment is replaced, leaving the healthy parts of the knee intact.
A partial knee replacement is less invasive, and may result in shorter hospital stays, fewer short-term complications, faster recovery, and better knee function than total knee replacement. Because the healthy ligaments and bone are preserved, some patients report that the knee feels more natural after a partial replacement.
Partial knee replacement can only be considered if the remaining compartments of the knee are in good condition, the ligaments are intact and functioning, and the pattern of arthritis is suitable.
Partial knee replacement has historically shown higher rates of revision than for total knee replacement. Advances in technology, particularly robotics, have narrowed this gap. However, further surgery remains more likely after a partial knee replacement, most commonly if arthritis progresses in other parts of the knee.
At Melbourne Knee Centre, knee replacement surgery, both total and partial, is usually performed with robotic assistance.
The robotic system uses your imaging scans to create a personalised 3D model of your knee before surgery, allowing your surgeon to plan implant positioning with precision tailored to your individual anatomy. During the procedure, the robot provides real-time guidance to help execute that plan accurately.
The decision between total and partial knee replacement depends on the distribution and severity of your arthritis, your age, activity level, the condition of your ligaments, and your broader goals. In some cases, other surgical options, such as osteotomy, may also be worth considering, particularly in younger patients.
At Melbourne Knee Centre, we take the time to assess each patient carefully and discuss all appropriate options before recommending surgery. Our exclusive focus on the knee has given us considerable depth of experience in making such decisions and performing both total and partial knee replacements.