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Knee prostheses are divided into two types: unicompartmental (partial) and total knee replacements.
In a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee (either the inner, outer, or patellar compartment) is replaced.
In a total knee replacement, two or three damaged parts of the knee are replaced simultaneously. Total knee replacements themselves have variations based on function. Differences in design may exist depending on whether the posterior cruciate ligament is preserved or sacrificed. The decision to use a cruciate-retaining or cruciate-substituting knee prosthesis depends on the degree of deformity, the extent of wear, and the range of motion limitation.
However, there is no difference in the materials used in the main structure of both types of knee prostheses.
Besides these two commonly used types, there are also adjustable, growing prostheses, mostly used in children after tumor surgeries. Because growth continues in the bone after removal of tumors in the growth plate, computer-assisted adjustable, growing prostheses are used. The prosthesis is adjusted as the child grows.
What are the types of knee prostheses?
In a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee (either the inner, outer, or patellar compartment) is replaced.
In a total knee replacement, two or three damaged parts of the knee are replaced simultaneously. Total knee replacements themselves have variations based on function. Differences in design may exist depending on whether the posterior cruciate ligament is preserved or sacrificed. The decision to use a cruciate-retaining or cruciate-substituting knee prosthesis depends on the degree of deformity, the extent of wear, and the range of motion limitation.
However, there is no difference in the materials used in the main structure of both types of knee prostheses.
Besides these two commonly used types, there are also adjustable, growing prostheses, mostly used in children after tumor surgeries. Because growth continues in the bone after removal of tumors in the growth plate, computer-assisted adjustable, growing prostheses are used. The prosthesis is adjusted as the child grows.