Post-Surgery
The recovery period is also generally shorter than with a total knee replacement, and many people can return to walking in two to four weeks.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the knee starts in the recovery room. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to move your leg for the first day or so. Your surgeon will have you stand up so that you can begin walking and moving around the day after surgery. This helps prevent blood clots. You'll also receive antibiotics following surgery to prevent infection, and your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics any time you have dental work done to keep infection from settling in your new joint. In most cases, the stitches will probably be removed a few weeks after surgery.
In the hospital
Before leaving the hospital, a physical therapist will set some goals for you to do while in the hospital and afterwards at home. They include:
- Getting in and out of bed and going to the bathroom by yourself. (An elevated toilet seat will be of great help and will usually be of help at home also.)
- Walking with support of a walker or crutches.
- Bending your knee 90 degrees by yourself.
At home
Once at home, continue the exercises your physical therapist showed you at the hospital. You'll slowly be able to get up and down stairs and walk further distances.
Recovery
Recovery from a partial knee replacement depends on the patients' outpatient physical therapy, as well as their physical health and commitment to their rehabilitation. When you return home, you must continue your home exercise program, as well as attend outpatient physical therapy. Physical therapy is still needed to restore knee strength and function. Your surgeon will provide you with special home care instructions before you are discharged. It is very important for your recovery that you follow these instructions.
It is normal to have swelling around the incision. Avoid any type of pressure on the incision, and wear loose, comfortable clothing until the incision heals. Your doctor may give you a prescription for pain prior to the surgery so you can have it filled and ready to take if needed when you get home.
After knee replacement surgery, most patients can walk every day, ride a bike, and do most of the activities they used to do before their knees became painful. High-impact sports should be avoided, and a leg brace should be worn for any athletic activity.
If properly taken care of, a partial knee such as the ADVANCE® Unicompartmental Knee, can last many years, after which revision surgery may be recommended by your orthopaedic surgeon.
To see if the ADVANCE® Unicompartmental Knee is the right option for your knee replacement surgery, locate a physician in your area with our Physician Locator.
