If you have severely painful, stiff knees that impair your mobility and impact on your quality of life, and medical treatments have not helped, knee replacement surgery can be the ideal remedy. There are various types of knee replacement surgery, including total and partial. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you on the best procedure for you.
Partial knee replacement is suitable for people who have knee joint damage limited to one bone surface. As partial knee replacement surgery requires only small implants, it can be carried out through small incisions, resulting in smaller scars and a quicker recovery than if a total knee replacement is required. The partial knee replacement procedure usually takes between one and two hours and is most frequently performed under general anaesthetic.
In order to optimise your recovery after a partial knee replacement, here are some suggestions to consider.
Pre-Op
In the weeks running up to your partial knee replacement surgery, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you are as fit as possible.
- Stop smoking
- Reduce your alcohol intake to the recommended daily amount of no more than 14 units a week
- Take advice on whether you should stop taking medications that interfere with blood clotting, such as warfarin and aspirin
- Keep as active as possible
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet
Post-Op
Most people can go home on the day following partial knee replacement surgery and you should be able to weight bear immediately, with the help of a cane or walker. Any pain should be easily managed with over the counter pain relief. You will be given advice from a physiotherapist on how to walk safely and how to manage stairs as well as a gradated exercise plan to help your muscles and balance recover as quickly as possible.
It is best to have showers instead of baths until your wounds heal. It is also likely that you will be advised to wear support stockings, at least for the first few weeks, to avoid the development of blood clots and swollen legs.
Low impact exercise such as walking, and swimming is recommended, and you should adhere closely to your physiotherapist’s exercise advice. You will not be able to drive safely until you can control the car without pain.
Resuming your normal life after a partial knee replacement
Healing from your partial knee replacement will continue for up to eight months or so. You will be able to return to work within twelve weeks. Over time you will find that you are able to resume activities that you had to drop due to knee pain. However, you may have to avoid high impact sports such as running as well as sports that have a high risk of falls, such as skating or horse riding.
In addition to eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise, it is a good idea to maintain a healthy weight. For, this will reduce the stress placed on your new knee and help prolong its useful life, keeping you as pain free and mobile as possible for as long as possible.
About Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care we are proud to work in partnership with some of the highest qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeons, ophthalmologist, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management consultants and physiotherapists in the UK. Our holistic care offers you the best treatment!
At Ramsay you won’t have to wait for an appointment for your surgery. Your treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self-pay packages are available on request. We have first class facilities and all self-funding and most privately insured patients can enjoy our Private Patient Pledge offering exclusive benefits including superb food, a relaxing environment, priority access and appointments to suit your lifestyle. Our aim is to help you feel like a guest as well as a patient.