Partial Knee Replacement Recovery: What to Expect

If your knees are affected by arthritis, it may be time for a replacement. If you meet certain qualifications, you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement surgery, in which only certain parts of the knee cartilage, as opposed to the full joint, are replaced. Partial knee replacement surgery has a shorter recovery time than full knee replacement.

Knee Usage

• You will be expected to start using your new knee almost immediately after the surgery. In fact, the sooner you start rehabilitation, the better your result will be.

In Hospital

• Most patients stay in the hospital for one or two nights after surgery. A few patients can be discharged on the same day as surgery.

Medications

• At first you'll receive painkilling medication through an IV, then after a few days you should switch to shots or pills. You'll also receive antibiotics and blood thinners, which will prevent clots from forming in your legs.

Physical Therapy

• You should begin a physical therapy routine that's customized to your needs. Strictly following a physical therapy routine will help you recover.

Improvement

• Your knee joint won't fully recover right after surgery. You should notice gradual improvement over a period of months.