Total, Partial & Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Total vs. partial knee replacement

Not every arthritic knee needs a full replacement. The right procedure depends on how much of the joint is affected — something Dr. Dattilo determines from your exam and X-rays.

Total knee replacement

In a total knee replacement, the worn surfaces across the knee are resurfaced with durable implants that restore smooth, pain-free motion. It’s the right choice when arthritis affects the whole joint.

Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement

When arthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee, a partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged part, preserving the healthy bone and ligaments in the rest of the joint. For the right candidate, that can mean a smaller procedure, a more natural-feeling knee, and a quicker recovery.

Computer- and robotic-assisted knee replacement

Dr. Dattilo also offers computer- and robotic-assisted knee replacement. Planned from your imaging, the system helps position and align the implant with a high degree of precision while the surgeon remains fully in control. Accurate alignment supports better function and long-term durability.

Press-fit (cementless) knee implants

Dr. Dattilo also offers press-fit total knee replacement — also called cementless or “biologic” fixation. Instead of using bone cement to hold the implant in place, a press-fit implant has a specially textured, porous surface that your own bone grows into over time, creating a living, biologic bond between bone and implant.

Because the bone integrates directly with the implant, there is no cement layer that can wear or loosen over the years. For the right patient — often younger, more active individuals with good bone quality — this biologic fixation is designed to support a strong, durable, long-lasting knee replacement. Press-fit implants use modern, highly porous metals, and their use has grown steadily as the technology has improved — today they account for roughly one in five knee replacements performed in the United States.

Press-fit fixation isn’t right for everyone — bone quality is an important factor, and cemented implants remain an excellent, well-proven option. Dr. Dattilo will recommend the fixation method best suited to your bone, age, and activity level.

Who is a candidate?

Knee replacement is an option for many patients with knee arthritis whose pain limits daily life and who haven’t found lasting relief from nonsurgical care. Candidacy — and whether a partial or total replacement is right — depends on where your arthritis is, your ligament health, and your overall health.

The best way to find out is an evaluation with Dr. Dattilo, who will review your symptoms, examination, and X-rays and recommend the approach that fits you — including whether nonsurgical treatment is still the better path for now.

Recovery and what to expect

Most patients are up and walking with assistance the same day. Knee replacement recovery depends heavily on physical therapy and regaining motion early, so consistent rehab is a central part of the process. Many patients are walking without an aid within a few weeks and returning to everyday activities over the following weeks, with continued improvement over several months.

Why patients choose Dr. Dattilo

Dr. Dattilo is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who focuses specifically on hip and knee replacements. He completed fellowship training at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute after earning his medical degree at Johns Hopkins and completing residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored 45+ peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized among Becker’s Top 10 Total Joint ASC Physicians to Know.

He sees patients at four Tampa Bay locations — St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Sarasota. Learn more about Dr. Dattilo ›

Frequently asked questions