Partial knee replacement question

I went for an MR scan and xray a few months ago with a view to having another arthroscopy.

The consultant showed me the results and told me another op would be pointless as I'm now bone on bone.

The options were partial knee op, a realignment op or do nothing.

He also said he wouldn't do anything till I'd retired from my job which is a manual one.

What i want to know is how active I'll be after a partial knee op. Im 60 btw.

Larry

I had bilateral partial knee replacements in March 2018. My consultant was reluctant to do them at first as I was only 49 and wanted to ‘buy some time’. However, every day functioning became increasingly difficult and the surgery went ahead this year when I was 52. 

My initial recovery was excellent and the elimination of that excruciating bone on bone pain was such a relief. However, I have since had a set back having torn the lateral meniscus in the right knee - this is soon to be rectified with an arthroscopy and my consultant has assured me it is only a minor setback. I am still hopeful for a very good level of recovery and plan on being pretty active for a long time yet - I work as a primary school teacher so am in my feet all day - and no pain!! 

Incidentally,  my physiotherapist has a partial knee replacement himself and was hill walking 12 weeks later. 

Obviously everyone is different but I would hope for a very good level of recovery and mobility post surgery.

I had a partial (patella femoral) in January this year at the age of 46 as too young for a total.

I have to say I'm regretting having it done. It's 8 months post op and I'm still in pain virtually all the time. I can't walk far and it is more painful than before I had it done. I saw the surgeon a few months ago, he said all was good and it would just take time.

It's starting to really get me down. I wished I had just waited and had a total.

Everybody is different though, so you might be fine

Good luck with whatever you decide. X

That's very encouraging as I'm hoping for a quickish recovery and although i enjoy hill walking the downhill parts are sore.

What did you feel like after a month?

One of the reasons i thought a partial would be more suitable is the quicker recovery time but as you say everybody is different.

Bearing in mind I had both done at the same time so didn’t have a ‘good leg’ to compensate with I was really pleased with my speed of progress (as was my physio). I was very disciplined following  my exercise regime and at a month I was on the exercise bike to improve the range of movement, gradually increasing resistance to build strength. I was swimming at 6 weeks (once I was allowed to drive). 

Hello Larry,

I had a uni compartmental (partial) knee replacement in June 2018 so am now 3 months plus. It is still slightly swollen with some heat and still fairly painful/ sore. I am however walking about 3 or 4 miles, biking on static bike and been driving horses in harness (as part of Kynren) so trying to be as normal as I can. It is worse when I stand cooking and baking as it then feels like it seizes up and gets very stiff. I am still having phsio and my physiotherapist keeps reassuring me the pain is normal. I am hopeful it will make a good recovery although I have been a bit down at times. Perhaps I am just too impatient.

Best wishes for your op. Do let me know how it goes.

Pam

Let me know how you get on too. What was the reason you had a partial knee replacement rather than a full one?

My husband had a partial and he's very active. Still gets a little pain but doesn't stop him doing anything.

What sort of activity??

Climbing through mangles in soft play centres with grandchildren. Walking, gardening, DIY, etc.

Thanks for the reply. If i could get back to hill walking without dreading the down hills I'd be chuffed.

My name isn't even down for an operation yet but when it is I'll be counting down to retirement.

I'm on my feet all shift and it's a mannual job which doesnt help