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Partial Knee Replacement Recovery

In this video I'll answer some of the questions about you're likely to have about recovering from a partial knee replacement if your doctor has suggested getting one. This information is based on my own experience -- I had partial knee replacement surgery several years ago -- but also on research I've done on reliable health websites like these.

First, you probably want to know how long you'll be in the hospital after the operation. It depends on such things like your general health and physical condition, but usually 1-3 days. I was able to go home the day after my surgery.

After you're released, you'll need the help of a cane or walker for a while. Research I've read says you may need 2-3 weeks, but I was getting around my one-story apartment pretty well in about a 7 days. My experience may not be typical though, so get your doctor's advice on this topic.

My doctor told me to make sure to keep my incision dry while it healed, which takes 2-3 weeks. So, you shouldn't soak in a tub (and definitely don't go swimming). But I was able to shower right away. For waterproofing, I simply cut out the bottom of a plastic grocery bag, putting it over my knee, then rolling adhesive tape around it above and below the incision.

You'll experience considerable swelling around your knee immediately after your procedure. You'll need to treat it with ice packs several times a day, 20-30 minutes each time, for 2-4 weeks. Elevating the leg that's been operated on also helps.

You will need physical therapy to get your knee back to normal strength and range of motion. Depending on such factors as your age, general health and overall physical condition, you may need to work with a qualified trainer at a well-equipped rehabilitation facility several times a week for up to 3 months.

The research I've read says you should allow yourself 8 weeks before you start driving again. I did it much sooner than that --about 3 weeks--- but again, let your doctor be your guide. Always be careful getting behind the wheel if you're still taking something to relieve discomfort.

Some people can return to work sooner than others, of course, depending on a physical demands of their occupation. Naturally, you can return to work sooner if you mostly sit at a desk. I was back at the office 9 days after my operation. But if your job requires a lot of lifting, walking, kneeling or standing, you’ll probably need advice from your doctor based on your progress.

The same is true if you take part in intense competitive sports that require biking/cycling, running or jumping. Less demanding sports, of course, require less time and rehabilitation. Get the opinion of your doctor or physical therapist. I'm an avid long distance walker and I was able to do 7-8 mile hikes -- with no repercussions -- about 3 months after my surgery. My story may not be typical though. Again, get some advice from people in-the-know.

As for cosmetic and appearance considerations, there's your scar. You will have one. My scar is a thin, pale, vertical line over my kneecap, about 7 inches long. Thanks to medical advances in surgical techniques, it's hardly noticeable even from just a few feet away. Usually the scar will have faded significantly 4 to 6 months after your procedure.

Finally, what about long term swelling, residual pain, or mobility issues? Usually, I'm only aware of my partial knee replacement when I kneel or stoop. But I've read that some people occasionally experience mild discomfort, stiffness, minor swelling, or a reduced range of motion long after their operation. Again, everyone's experience varies somewhat depending on their age, general health, and physical condition.

That covers most of the basic information you're likely to want to know about recovering from partial knee replacement surgery. To view videos on related topics, please click on the links above.