What To Expect After A Partial Knee Replacement Operation

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What To Expect After A Partial Knee Replacement Operation
I'm doing this video because I underwent a partial knee replacement operation several years ago. In this video I'll help you learn what to expect during recovery if there's a partial knee replacement procedure in your future. The information here is based on my own experience, but I'll also share what I've read by researching reliable medical websites like these.
Of course, you are a unique individual, so your recovery will depend, in general, on your age, physical condition, and general health. That said, here are answers to the most common questions you're likely to have.
Expect a hospital stay of 2-3 days. I entered the hospital on a Monday morning, had the surgery Monday afternoon, and actually went home Tuesday night around 7 o'clock. I understand such a quick release isn't typical, but it worked out. Usually, expect to stay for at least 48 hours after completion of your operation.
If there are no complicating factors, you'll probably be able to get around using a cane or walker as soon as you're discharged. It will be okay to move about as much as you can, but it's a good idea to have someone standing next to you at first, just in case you lose your balance. I only used a cane, and for only about 5 days. But once again, my case may not be typical.
My doctor told me I could shower right away as long as I covered the incision with waterproof material. I used plastic grocery bags with the bottom cut out, secured with adhesive tape well above and well below the knee. However, according to my research, you should probably avoid soaking in a tub or swimming until your incision has completely healed. That will normally be 2-3 weeks.
What about ice packs? You're likely to have significant swelling for 3-4 weeks. You'll get best results if you "ice" your knee several times a day, for about 20 to 30 minutes each time. You should keep icing your knee for at least a few weeks to keep swelling to a minimum. Keeping your leg elevated often can help too. You may continue to feel a slight "puffiness" in your knee for years. It's normal.
You won't need as much physical therapy during partial replacement recovery as you would with a total knee replacement, but you will need physical therapy. Expect to go several times a week for 2-3 weeks in order to regain strength, endurance and full range ofmotion in your knee. Rehabilitation normally continues for 2 to 3 months.
Everyone also wants to know when they can start driving again. It will take longer, of course, if your right knee underwent the procedure.
You'll also have to use good judgment about returning to your job. If you work in an office or sit at a desk a lot, you can return sooner than you can if your occupation demands a lot of standing, walking, lifting heavy weights, or kneeling. Get some guidance from your doctor or trainer. In my case, I was back at my desk 9 days after my procedure, but I've been told that's unusually fast.
If you take part in intense competitive sports that require biking/cycling, running or jumping, you'll also need to talk to your surgeon. Playing golf is one thing. Playing basketball or softball is another.
Generally speaking, you can start traveling as soon as you're comfortable getting around in your home or returning to work. But if you're going to do a long driving trip or an overseas flight, be sure to notify your doctor. There's a higher risk of blood clots forming in those circumstances, especially after recent surgery, and blood clots can literally be life-threatening. Your doctor may suggest taking a blood thinner to reduce the risk of clots forming, or may tell you to postpone your plans.
Finally, you'll probably be curious if are there any long term effects or discomfort? Usually, I'm only aware of my partial replacement when I kneel or stoop. There's no real pain, but I do feel some very minor discomfort. Some people occasionally experience mild stiffness, minor swelling, or a reduced range of motion.

[@johnsullivan2563]

Having my partial replacement tomorrow morning.

[@eugenelane3291]

You need to update. We go home same day or after one night. At least in my neighborhood

[@joewhalen1427]

Entered the hospital at 7am was home at 2pm. Best thing I did. No pain or restrictions.

[@marcusshanad3083]

How is ur surgery..am in pain since years 😢😢

[@joewhalen1427]

@@marcusshanad3083 best thing I did. Zero pain or restriction. Key is do all your therapy.

[@pascualaguon5324]

Got my partial knee surgery on 2021 in Hawaii. Young doctor from Island Orthapedics clinic, NO REGRETS. I was discharged from surgery 2 hours later and flew back to Guam USA 24 hours later. 2 years later I am so happy I did it and now thinking to do my other knee. Knee replacement is by no means a miracle procedure but I went from 100% pain daily to around 40% and a little acetaminophen brings it down to around the discomfort level..and I rather have discomfort than to be in agony .. Just my opinion.

[@tr6151]

@pasualaguon5324 So you take pain killers 2 years after surgery ?how is your physical activity like walking long, stairs etc

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

Thank you. I'm headed in for a partial in two days and I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@EboneeEyez]

@Whitney Macdonald - how was your experience? How's your recovery going? I'm scheduled for 9/13. Thanks!

[@hanaashaba1263]

Thanks for the info

[@always-be-positive-1111]

Thank you so much for this information truly helps. I'm getting ready for this procedure and not always get the answers I would like. Again thanks glad to know your doing well.

[@butcrack456]

Did you ever have the procedure done??

[@lindalill657]

5:08 hi I just had a partial knee replacement a week ago. Still have a lot of pain doing exercises but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.😀

[@jw582]

Thank you

[@kevina8172]

If i had it to do over i would not do partials. done 6 yrs ago both knees and can bareley walk some times. i was sold on it beacuse the doc would do both at same time, I do live in Anchorage Alaska so really good docs are few and far in between. Did I say Quack Quack

[@SherryPedra-pf7ud]

After surgery while doing walking my knee sometimes goes backwards what does that mean

[@telboy203]

I have a partially worn patellar so is a PKR OK or should I have the full blown job TKR which I have resisted due to my intention to keep cycling

[@tr6151]

@telboy203 did you have PKR

[@SherryPedra-pf7ud]

What does it mean when after partial knee replacement when your knee goes backwards when you walk

[@arunseghal369]

It is a failed treatment for arthritis and hence should not be undertaken. I am victim of bilateral Tkr surgery in 2015 and still have pain.now they have become loose and there is no solution.

[@vincenaval4275]

I hope there is a partial knee replacement in the philippines

[@timandriakos9131]

I went home 2 hours after surgery

[@williamsheehan260]

Me too. A little too fast if you ask me. I was still kinda groggy

[@jayesprague]

Me too.

[@nick_Aus]

Can u run or do gym or other sports after that? What's your range of motion now?

[@faerae5125]

Nick your age may have a lot to do with how well you can go back to normal activities. The younger the better. This person was very fortunate to recover so well. I had partial knee replacement a year ago & have had nothing but pain since. I wish I'd never had it done.

[@Souper309d]

I have full range of motion. Muscle strength is my issue now, but I had that before the partial replacement as I have a desk job, no gym close by, and winter has socked me in

[@theSlugster57]

Rather than Jog or run use a bike stationary bike. You're barring any weight while running can cause you issues with the replacement.

[@tr6151]

@@Souper309dhow r you now

[@Souper309d]

@@tr6151 doing fine - still please with mine

[@danielsonscott3038]

My doctor says that he is not a fan of PKR since this procedure will lead to TKR within some years,how true is that?

[@robertaspazzafumo186]

Stayed in the hospital for 7 hrs

[@dianas5017]

Outdated.

[@chloebuswell8991]

My step dad stayed for only 13 hours

[@hanaashaba1263]

Really!!!????

[@davidmay2073]

Please take no notice of this Video my partial knee was done in UK and had to wear Stocking for up to 4 weeks but so much misinformation in this Video is Wrong Then again the UK is better than you guysefforts anyway