By Dr Nicholas Ho Way Siong, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, Hospital Seri Botani
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Unicondylar Knee Replacement (UKR) are both fantastic solutions for relieving knee pain and getting back to a more active life, but they offer different benefits depending on your needs. TKR is a great option if your whole knee is affected by arthritis or damage.
This procedure replaces the entire knee joint, giving you a fresh start with a new, artificial knee that can provide long-lasting relief. While the recovery can take a little longer – around a few months – it’s a small price to pay for the ability to enjoy life without knee pain. You might need to spend a bit more time in the hospital, but the end result is a fully renewed knee that lets you return to doing what you love.
Unicondylar Knee Replacement (UKR), on the other hand, is a more specialized approach and has so many wonderful advantages. It replaces only the damaged part of the knee, which means most of your natural knee remains untouched, leading to a quicker recovery, less pain, and a more natural feeling after surgery. Many people appreciate that the incision is smaller, so the scar is less noticeable, and the recovery time is shorter – often just a few weeks!
With UKR, you get back to your regular activities faster, and the overall experience feels smoother and more comfortable. It’s the perfect solution for those with limited knee damage, offering a fast-track back to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Both TKR and UKR are transformative procedures designed to alleviate knee pain and restore mobility, but they cater to different needs and conditions. Ultimately, the decision between TKR and UKR depends on the extent of knee damage, lifestyle goals and personal preferences. Consulting with an orthopaedic specialist can help determine the best option, ensuring a return to an active, pain-free life tailored to your unique circumstances.
