Written & Reviewed By
Dr Tarandeep Singh Gill
MS (Orthopaedics) | Senior Consultant — Joint Replacement & Reconstructive Surgery
Pioneer of RoboLens FT3D knee resurfacing in North India. Over 5,000 joint replacement surgeries performed. Specialist in robotic knee replacement, hip replacement, revision surgery and complex joint conditions. Practising in Chandigarh since 2004.
Clinic: Chandigarh | Book a Consultation | Full Profile →
When a patient is told they need surgery for their knee, the immediate assumption is usually: “I’ll need my entire knee replaced.”
But that is not always the case. Depending on how much of the knee is damaged, you may be a good candidate for knee resurfacing instead of a full replacement.
Let me explain the difference in simple terms.
What Is a Full Knee Replacement?
In a total knee replacement, the damaged surfaces of the knee — both the thigh bone (femur) end and the shin bone (tibia) top, and sometimes the kneecap — are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components.
This surgery covers all three sections of the knee and is the right choice when the entire joint is badly damaged.
What Is Knee Resurfacing?
Knee resurfacing — also called partial knee replacement or unicompartmental replacement — is different. Instead of replacing the entire joint, only the damaged part of the knee is treated. The healthy parts are left completely untouched.
The knee has three main sections (compartments). In many patients, only one section is damaged — usually the inner (medial) side. In these cases, resurfacing only that one section makes perfect sense.
What Are the Advantages of Resurfacing?
When the right patient gets this procedure, the results are excellent:
- Faster recovery — smaller surgery means less healing time
- More natural-feeling knee — the healthy parts of the knee are preserved, including the important ligaments that give your knee its sense of position
- Less blood loss and less hospital stay
- Easier revision if needed — if a partial replacement ever needs to be changed, it is a much simpler procedure than revising a total replacement
Who Is a Good Candidate for Resurfacing?
Not everyone qualifies. A partial resurfacing works well if:
- The arthritis is mainly in one section of the knee (not all three)
- The knee ligaments are still intact and working
- You can still bend your knee reasonably well
- There is no inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid)
- Your weight is within an acceptable range
Younger, more active patients are often the best candidates — because the natural feel of the resurfaced knee allows them to return to an active life more comfortably.
Who Needs a Full Replacement Instead?
If the damage has spread across all three sections of the knee, or if there is significant deformity, or if the knee ligaments are damaged, then a Total knee replacement Chandigarh is the better option. Total replacement is also more forgiving — minor variations in placement make less of a difference.
Why Robotic Surgery Makes a Big Difference Here
Partial resurfacing requires very precise bone cuts — more so than total replacement. Because the implant is smaller, even a small misalignment causes problems.
Robotic guidance with RoboLens FT3D makes partial resurfacing much more reliable and reproducible. The live 3D mapping ensures every cut is exactly right — protecting the healthy parts of the knee while fitting the implant perfectly in the damaged section.
How Is the Decision Made?
The choice between resurfacing and total replacement is made after a proper evaluation — standing X-rays, clinical examination, and a discussion about your lifestyle and goals. There is no single right answer for everyone.
If you have been told you need a total knee replacement without any discussion of whether partial replacement might be an option, it may be worth getting a second opinion from a surgeon who offers both.
Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill is an orthopaedic surgeon in Chandigarh performing both total and partial knee replacement using the RoboLens FT3D robotic system. Over 6,000 joint replacement surgeries. Fellowship trained from Germany.
If you are experiencing knee or hip pain, book a consultation with Dr TS Gill at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Phase 6 (Sector 56), Mohali. Early assessment leads to better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between knee resurfacing and knee replacement?
Knee resurfacing (like RoboLens FT3D) removes and resurfaces only the damaged cartilage surface, preserving much of the original bone. Total knee replacement removes the entire joint surface and replaces it with metal and plastic components. Resurfacing is less invasive and suits patients with more localised damage.
Is knee resurfacing painful?
Knee resurfacing is performed under anaesthesia and involves less bone removal than total replacement, which often results in less post-operative pain and a faster return to activity. Most patients report significant pain improvement within weeks.
How long does RoboLens FT3D knee resurfacing last?
RoboLens FT3D knee resurfacing is a relatively new precision procedure. Outcomes are tracked closely, and preliminary data suggest durability comparable to conventional resurfacing with the added benefit of anatomy-specific planning. Dr TS Gill is the pioneer of this technique in Chandigarh.
Can I have knee resurfacing instead of total knee replacement?
Knee resurfacing is appropriate for selected patients with moderate arthritis, good bone quality, and preserved ligaments. Dr TS Gill evaluates suitability through a thorough clinical and imaging assessment before recommending the most appropriate procedure.
