When chronic knee pain or stiffness affects your ability to enjoy everyday activities, knee replacement surgery may offer long-term relief. But not all joint replacement surgeries are the same. For many patients, the decision between total knee replacement and partial knee replacement depends on several factors, from the location of the knee damage to overall lifestyle goals.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD, we specialize in advanced joint replacement surgery in Hollywood, FL, using state-of-the-art Enovis technology to deliver personalised, minimally invasive care. Whether you need full or partial knee replacement, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and mobility.
Let’s explore the differences between these procedures and how to determine which one may be right for you.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the entire knee joint is replaced with metal and plastic components. This involves removing damaged cartilage surfaces from the thigh bone, shin bone, and patella, and replacing them with artificial implants that mimic the structure and motion of a healthy knee.
Dr. McCarthy performs this surgery using Enovis navigation tools that allow real-time digital alignment and precise implant positioning—resulting in better balance, function, and durability.
Candidates
Total knee replacement is typically recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or joint damage that affects most or all compartments of the knee. You may be a candidate if:
- You experience persistent knee pain, even at rest
- Your mobility is significantly limited
- Nonsurgical treatments (like injections or physical therapy) have not helped
- Imaging shows damage across the entire joint
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After surgery, you’ll spend time in the recovery room before transitioning to early physical therapy. Recovery from total knee replacement can take several weeks to a few months, depending on your health and progress. Most patients begin walking with support within the first few days and move toward independent mobility in the first few weeks.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Risks
Total knee implants are highly durable, with most lasting 15–20 years or longer. Risks may include blood clots, nerve damage, or infection, but modern techniques like nerve blocks, regional anesthesia, and blood thinners help reduce these risks. Dr. McCarthy’s use of minimally invasive techniques and Enovis guidance supports quicker recovery and fewer complications.
Understanding Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement surgery, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, targets only the affected area of the knee, typically the medial compartment, lateral compartment, or patellofemoral compartment. This surgical technique preserves more healthy cartilage, knee ligaments, and underlying bone than total knee replacement.
Using Enovis systems, Dr. McCarthy can perform partial knee surgery with pinpoint accuracy, helping maintain the knee’s natural feel and movement.
Candidates
You may qualify for partial knee replacement if:
- Your arthritis or joint damage is confined to one compartment
- You still have intact ligaments and healthy cartilage in the other compartments
- Your pain is localized, rather than widespread
- You’ve tried nonsurgical treatments with little success
Partial knee replacement is not suitable for patients with inflammatory arthritis or widespread joint damage.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Partial knee replacement recovery is often faster than total knee replacement. Because less tissue is removed, postoperative pain may be reduced, and many patients return to everyday activities within 4–6 weeks. Patients also typically use fewer pain medications and report an earlier return to walking.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Risks
Partial knee implants may last 10–15 years, and while revision surgery is possible if more of the knee becomes affected, most patients enjoy excellent outcomes. As with any knee replacement operation, risks include scar tissue, infection, and blood clots, but these are minimized with expert surgical care and close follow-up.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between partial and total knee replacement depends on the extent of knee damage, your overall health, lifestyle goals, and how much of the knee joint is affected.
Total knee replacement may be the best option if your pain is widespread or if previous treatments have failed. Partial knee replacement may be ideal if damage is limited and preserving more of your natural knee structure is important to you.
An in-depth evaluation—including X-rays, a review of your medical history, and a conversation about your goals—will help determine the most appropriate path forward.
How Dr. McCarthy Can Help
At Kevin McCarthy, MD, we understand that every knee is different—and so is every patient. Dr. Kevin McCarthy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Hollywood, FL, offering expert care in both total and partial knee replacement procedures. His goal is to relieve your pain, restore knee function, and help you confidently return to the activities you enjoy.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
- Expertise in Total and Partial Knee Replacement: Dr. McCarthy brings years of focused experience in joint replacement surgery, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s condition, anatomy, and goals.
- Precision with Enovis Surgical Technology: Using real-time digital alignment tools from Enovis, Dr. McCarthy ensures every implant is placed with maximum accuracy for better outcomes and reduced complications.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: When appropriate, Dr. McCarthy uses surgical methods designed to preserve healthy tissue, reduce post-operative pain, and shorten recovery time.
- Coordinated Recovery Support: From the initial consultation through post-operative physical therapy, our team provides seamless, personalised support every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring partial knee replacement or preparing for a total knee replacement, Dr. McCarthy will guide you with clear answers and clinical precision—always with your long-term mobility and quality of life in mind.
Make the Right Knee Replacement Choice with Dr. McCarthy
Choosing between partial and total knee replacement is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Dr. McCarthy and his team offers clear answers, expert care, and long-term solutions for your joint pain.
Call 954-963-3500 or request an appointment online to discover which knee replacement procedure is right for you. At Kevin McCarthy, MD we’re here to support your journey to pain-free mobility.
