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Partial knee replacement surgery, otherwise known as Knee Resurfacing Unicondylar Replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure involving resurfacing the worn-out bony surface of the knee joint. In a Partial Knee Replacement treatment, either the outside parts of the knee (lateral), the inside joint (medial), the upper front surface of the femur (patellofemoral), or the area between the knee cap is replaced. It indicates that only the damaged knee cartilage part is replaced with a prosthesis, not every part, as in total knee replacement surgery.
Many patients often ask, "How long does it take to recover from partial knee replacement?" Most people who have this surgery see improvements in the pain in their knees and their ability to get around. Among the most intimidating parts of the procedure is knee surgery recovery, but if you know what to expect, you'll feel much better going in for the procedure.
Partial knee replacement surgery corrects knee arthritis once only part of the knee joint is impacted.
There are three knee compartments: the medial, lateral, and patella or knee cap. The medial compartment is inside the knee, nearest to the opposite knee. The lateral compartment is outside of the knee joint. The medial compartment is the most likely knee compartment affected by arthritis.
The damaged knee cartilage part is replaced with a prosthesis. When the knee cap is replaced with either the medial or lateral compartment, it is called bicompartmental knee replacement.
It is estimated that around 5-6 % of people with arthritis could benefit from a partial knee replacement.
You'll remain in the hospital for approximately two to five nights after the procedure. You will receive pain relief intravenously (through a drip) and in tablet form. You can put some weight through your knee immediately after surgery and gradually increase this as you feel able.
A physiotherapist will see you during your admission and give you physiotherapy exercises. You must follow your physiotherapy plan to allow you to regain knee movement throughout your recovery.
You may wish to pursue inpatient rehabilitation in your early recovery. The hospital's rehabilitation coordinator will see you after surgery to discuss your options. When ready, you may be transported to a rehabilitation ward or facility, where you will undertake guided physiotherapy and rehabilitation before being discharged home. Many patients prefer to be discharged straight home from the hospital to continue their recovery.
Some swelling and pain in the knee are to be expected and are best treated by elevating your leg when seated in the days after surgery. Applying an ice pack for about 20-30 minutes every few hours will greatly assist in reducing the swelling and pain around your knee.
You will generally need to use two crutches for two weeks after surgery. You may then go down to using a single crutch in the opposite hand to your operated knee for another week or two.
Before any invasive dental work (i.e., fillings, extractions, etc.), you should advise your dentist that you have a joint replacement, as antibiotic cover is recommended. Your dentist will implement their antibiotic protocol in these cases. You do not need to take antibiotics for a scale and clean only.
A waterproof dressing will cover your incision and must remain in place for two weeks. Dissolving sutures will also be placed in your wound and do not need to be removed.
A small amount of bleeding into the dressing is normal; however, if you have concerns about excessive bleeding, apply pressure to your knee, rest, apply ice, and elevate your leg. Please do not hesitate to contact our rooms if you have any concerns.
Wait to bathe or swim until your doctor has seen you at your post-operative appointment and cleared you for such activities. For further information regarding wound management, please read the 'post-operative wound management' leaflet provided by our rooms before surgery.
Pain is a normal part of the healing process after surgery and will slowly improve. In the early days following surgery, you should rest and elevate the leg and regularly ice your knee, as this will significantly help reduce pain and swelling.
You'll receive some pain relief for pain control on discharge from the hospital. We suggest you arrange an appointment with your doctor to obtain a prescription for ongoing pain relief requirements. After surgery, you should take pain relief if you have pain, particularly when walking or at night. You may slowly taper down your pain relief requirements after several weeks.
The physical therapist in the hospital will also give you a set of exercises to start immediately. These exercises will focus on gaining mobility (the ability to move) in your knee and restoring strength in your leg.
Full recovery from partial knee replacement generally takes four to six months but can vary from person to person.
The time you may require off work varies depending on the nature of your job. For sedentary, desk-based work, you will likely require three to four weeks off work, whereas for more labor-intensive duties, you will need to remain off work for approximately six to eight weeks.
If your right knee was operated on, you can generally return to driving after about four weeks. If you had surgery on your left knee, you can drive a manual car after approximately three weeks.
While recovery from a partial knee replacement takes time, with the proper preparations, you will be back to doing the things you enjoy in no time.
Some people start physical therapy in the clinic right away, while others will start working with a physical therapist who comes to their home. Where you start physical therapy depends on how well you can move around and if you can leave your home safely. Normally, therapy begins between two days and one week following your surgery. If you begin therapy in your home, expect to transition to an outpatient clinic within two to three weeks following your surgery.
Immediately following surgery, you will likely experience significant swelling in the leg that had the surgery. The swelling may be in the knee and the lower leg. You may notice bruising in your knee and lower leg as well. The best way to manage swelling is by icing your knee in an elevated position.
You may also notice that your leg feels temporarily weaker outside of swelling. Often, the quadriceps, the thigh muscle that straightens your knee, will be difficult to "turn on." This weakness is normal. As soon after surgery as you are able, practice trying to turn on this muscle and holding tension in the muscle for a few seconds. With your leg straightened, tighten the thigh muscle by pushing the back of your knee into the surface below. It will help your leg become stronger and improve your walking ability. Other exercises your physical therapist may assign are:
Follow the directions of your physical therapist and do the exercises they tell you to do.
With help from your physical therapist and guidance from your doctor, you will regain the flexibility and strength in your knee and be able to return to most or all the activities you enjoy. It is expected to continue to swell for several months. Recovery times vary based on the person, but most people return to their full activity in 10 to 16 weeks after a total knee replacement. If you had a partial knee replacement, recovery time is usually shorter. By six months to one year, your knee should feel nearly normal.
Dr. John Hibbitts, M.D., our board-certified orthopedic surgeon here at Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, has worked with many patients since 2000 to alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life through various orthopedic surgeries, including partial or total knee replacement surgery. Do you want to learn more? Please contact us today!