Common Hip & Knee Procedures

Common Knee Procedures

Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement)

In some cases, wear and tear of the knee, or arthritis, is confined to a single side of the knee. If your doctor determines it appropriate for your individual case, then only the damaged compartment of the knee may be replaced and the healthy part of the knee left alone. This is referred to as a partial knee replacement, or a unicompartmental knee replacement, and it is only applicable to a small number of patients.

Because a partial knee replacement is done through a smaller incision, the surgery is quicker, hospital stay is shorter and patients can rehabilitate and return to normal activities faster.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Watch a video animation of a TKR

Total knee replacement (TKR) is performed in patients with severe wear and loss of knee cartilage due to injury, trauma or inflammation, for various types of arthritis or other aging-related changes in the knee.

In TKR, the worn cartilage is removed and replaced with a combination metal and plastic implants.

Read more about TKR
View our patient guide for total knee replacement patients

Revision Total Knee Replacement

Watch a video animation of a Revision TKR

TKR implants have a normal life span of 10-20 years. With time, the artificial components also wear out and will need to be replaced in a “revision” TKR procedure. Implants may also need replacement for infection, pain or other factors as determined by your doctor.

Common Hip Procedures

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Watch a video animation of a THR

A total hip replacement (THR) is performed in patients with severe wear & loss of cartilage in the hip joint due to injury, trauma, various types of arthritis or other congenital or age-related changes to the hip joint.

In a traditional THR, the damaged head of the thighbone (femoral) and the damaged hip socket (acetabulum) are removed and replaced with metal, plastic, or ceramic components depending upon your unique needs and condition.

This was pioneered in the early 1960s with significant advancements made by our physicians and scientists here at MGH.

Read more about THR
View our patient guide for total hip replacement patients

Revision Total Hip Replacement

Watch a video animation of a Revision THR

THR permit patients to participate in most activities of daily living pain-free for 10-20 years after surgery and sometimes longer. Over time, the implants wear out and loosen, resulting in pain, stiffness or instability. Your doctor will compare a series of your x-rays to observe changes in implant position or condition of bone surrounding the implant and decide if a revision surgery is necessary.

Content courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.