Can You Have a Total Knee Replacement After Partial?
Yes. Conversion is a planned, straightforward operation with outcomes similar to a primary total replacement.
Conversion of a UKA to a total knee replacement is a well-established operation. Because UKA preserves bone and ligaments, the conversion is closer to a primary total replacement than to a revision surgery in most cases.
Published outcomes show that converted knees function well, with similar implant survival and pain scores to first-time total knee replacements. The hospital stay and recovery period are also similar to a primary TKR.
Knowing that the bridge to TKR is intact is part of why UKA is the right primary operation for suitable single-compartment arthritis. You do not lose options by choosing it first.
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