Partial knee replacement is used when one side of the knee is damaged. It replaces only the damaged part of the knee.
Your doctor will make a cut in your knee. This cut is called an incision. It will leave a scar that usually fades with time.
You may be able to go home the same day. If you have partials on both knees at once, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or more.
Most people go back to normal activities or work in 4 to 12 weeks. This depends on your health. It also depends on how well your knee does in your rehab program. This may take longer if you have both knees done at the same time.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Your doctor made a cut in your knee and fixed the damaged part of the knee.
When you leave the hospital, you should be able to walk with a cane, crutches, or a walker. But you will need someone to help you at home until you have more energy and can move around better.
You will go home with a bandage and stitches, staples, skin glue, or tape strips. Change the bandage as your doctor tells you to. If you have stitches or staples, your doctor will remove them about 2 weeks after your surgery. Glue or tape strips will fall off on their own over time. You may still have some mild pain, and the area may be swollen for weeks after surgery.
Your knee will continue to improve for 6 months or longer. You may be able to walk without a cane or walker after 1 or 2 weeks.
You will need to do months of physical rehabilitation (rehab) after a knee replacement. Rehab will help you strengthen the muscles of the knee and help you regain movement. After you recover, you may be able to do normal daily activities with less pain or no pain at all. You may be able to hike, dance, and ride a bike. Talk to your doctor about whether you can do more strenuous activities. Always tell your caregivers that you've had a partial knee replacement.
How long it will take to walk on your own, return to normal activities, and go back to work depends on your health and how well your rehab program goes. The better you do with your rehab exercises, the sooner you will get your strength and movement back.
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