In the Spanish joint reconstruction domain, Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) remains the overwhelming choice, representing the vast majority of all knee replacement procedures performed. TKA involves replacing all three compartments of the knee—the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral—with artificial components.

This dominance is largely due to the fact that most patients seeking surgery for end-stage osteoarthritis have degeneration affecting all three compartments by the time they are candidates for the procedure. TKA offers the most reliable, comprehensive, and durable solution for multi-compartmental arthritis, providing predictable pain relief and restoration of function.

However, there is a small, growing segment utilizing Partial Knee Replacement (PKR), or unicompartmental arthroplasty, for younger or more active patients with damage limited to only one compartment. While PKR typically allows for faster recovery and a more "natural-feeling" knee, patient selection must be highly selective, thus cementing TKA's essential and dominant role in the overall orthopedic device sector. Read about the specific procedural volumes and implant choice preferences in this therapeutic sector overview: Read about the specific procedural volumes and implant choice preferences in this therapeutic sector overview.

FAQ Q: Why does Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) remain the primary procedure? A: TKA remains dominant because most patients undergoing surgery have end-stage osteoarthritis affecting all three compartments of the knee, making a complete replacement necessary for comprehensive pain relief.

Q: Who is a typical candidate for a Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)? A: PKR is typically reserved for highly selected patients, often younger or more active, who have severe arthritis damage confined strictly to only one compartment of the knee joint.