If you’re living with chronic knee pain that limits your ability to walk, work, or enjoy life, you may be wondering whether a knee replacement is the next step. But should you get a total knee replacement or is a partial replacement enough?
In this article, Dr. Burke — a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Houston and Pearland since 1987 — breaks down the key differences between these procedures, the role of robotic-assisted surgery, and how to determine which option is right for you.

What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement (TKR) involves replacing the entire surface of the knee joint — including the thigh bone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) — with artificial implants.

Who’s a Good Candidate for TKR?

Advanced osteoarthritis in multiple compartments
Pain that interferes with daily life
Poor response to non-surgical treatments like injections or therapy
Joint deformity or instability
Benefits:
Long-lasting implants (15–20+ years)
High success rates in pain reduction
Improved mobility and quality of life
❗ Considerations:
More invasive than partial surgery
Slightly longer recovery period (typically 10–12 weeks of therapy)
💬 “Most of my total knee patients walk the same day of surgery and start therapy within 48 hours,” says Dr. Burke.

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

A partial knee replacement (PKR) — also known as unicompartmental replacement — treats only the damaged part of your knee. This can be:
Medial (inner)
Lateral (outer)
Patellofemoral (kneecap)

Who’s a Good Candidate for PKR?

Localized cartilage damage
Strong ligaments and no major deformity
Active adults under 70
Pain focused on one side of the knee
Benefits:
Smaller incision and less bone removal
Faster recovery (4–6 weeks)
More “natural” knee feel post-op
❗ Considerations:
Not suitable for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ligament damage
May require total knee replacement in the future if arthritis progresses

Robotic-Assisted Surgery: The Future of Precision

At Dr. Burke Orthopedic, we offer robotic-assisted knee replacement using advanced imaging and robotic tools to ensure the most accurate bone cuts and implant positioning.
Benefits of Robotic Knee Surgery:
Greater precision → longer-lasting implants
Minimally invasive approach
Less pain and faster recovery
Ideal alignment, reducing implant wear
Think of it as GPS-guided surgery — tailored to your unique knee anatomy.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Tips for Faster Recovery:
Follow your physical therapy plan closely
Eat a protein-rich diet
Avoid stairs early post-op
Ice your knee regularly
Take short walks every few hours

Take Our Quick Knee Replacement Candidacy Quiz:
✅ Do you have pain even at rest or during sleep?
✅ Have you tried injections or therapy without success?
✅ Do you have difficulty standing or walking more than 10 minutes?
✅ Are you healthy enough for outpatient surgery?
If you answered “yes” to 2 or more, it’s time to get evaluated by Dr. Burke.

Why Houston Trusts Dr. Robert Burke
🩺 35+ years of experience
⚙️ Robotic-assisted specialist
🏥 Same-day appointments in Houston & Pearland
⭐ Rated 4.9 out of 5 by patients
🦵 Thousands of successful knee replacements

📞 Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Burke and his orthopedic care team are ready to help you walk without pain again. Book your knee replacement consultation today at our Houston or Pearland office and take the first step toward a better quality of life.
👉 Call Now: (713) 436-3488
👉 Or Request an Appointment Online [Contact Us]