Patient guide
Knee Resurfacing vs Knee Replacement
The word “resurfacing” describes replacing joint surfaces. It does not, by itself, tell you which operation or alignment plan is proposed.
Are they different operations?
Total knee replacement is also called total knee arthroplasty. AAOS explains that it can be described as resurfacing: damaged cartilage and some underlying bone are removed, then covered with metal components and a plastic bearing. The kneecap surface may also be treated.
What does this site describe?
Active Knee is our patient-facing brand. Active Knee Resurfacing is the professional concept for anatomy-informed reconstruction and surgeon-directed planning. The visual guide explains these ideas; it cannot predict your result.
Separate the decisions
Ask your surgeon to name the proposed operation, the surfaces being treated, the implant, the surgical approach, and the alignment plan. Those details are more informative than the word “resurfacing” alone.
Ask at your consultation
- Is this a total or partial knee replacement in my case?
- What will be removed, retained, and implanted?
- Which evidence supports the specific plan you recommend?
Keep exploring
All patient guidesYour consultation checklistFind a surgeonGeneral education with source links. These references describe knee replacement broadly; they do not establish results for the specific technique presented on this site. Individual advice comes from your care team.