PKR, scheduled for April 17th

[Cindy Bailey]

I am having a unicompartmental knee replacement done on April 17. I'd appreciate any advice or input that I can get on this subject. I'm a 51 year old female who is having the repacement of the medial side of my right knee. I'm already scheduled to take a pre-op class, as well as a tour of the hopital replacement section and rehab center. Everything seems to coming into place very nicely. I just hope that it all goes smoothly and that my recovery isn't a long drawn out process.~~Cindy

[LatPKRGirl]

Cindy,

I had a lateral PKR(unicompartmental) done in December 2005.  I walk, swim, do yoda and pilates, and some biking.  I was given little option for relief of pain but a lateral was a natural for me as my medial compartment is pristine.  I have had no other major surgeries on my knees, so my compartments were little affected by previous procedures.

In general, the rehab took longer than I expected and I would not say I was done yet.  I was away from work for 5 weeks.  Immediately post-op, I was FWB and had good ROM.  Left the hospital on walker (no crutches due to a concurrent shoulder issue) and more than 90 degrees flexion. Used the walker only for support; did tire easily.  Did not have a CPM in the hospital.  Was on pain meds for about 4 weeks post-op; take nothing now.  Initially, had trouble sleeping but that has resolved.  Currently, I walk 1.5-2 miles a day, swim, and do pilates.  I have 135 degrees of flexion and -5 degrees extension.  My muscle strength has essentially returned except for a eccentric contraction of the quad (like going down stairs) but this is more due to a patellar tracking issue as I was corrected from about 15-20 degrees of valgus.  I do still have days where the knee is stiff (like if you sit on in one position too long) and that is frustrating.  As you can see my recovery has been fairly unremarkable and is progressing nicely. My OS thinks I could return to blue run skiing next year if I want, but I am not sure I want to take the risk.  I am 52.

So my advice?  Do some pre-op conditioning if you can - even just quads sets/SLRs will help.  Get you home set up with what you think you will need and call in some help for the first few days (my kids were on breaks from school and invaluable - hubby was a peach).  Stock up the pantry and refrigerator; cook ahead if you are able.  Prepare to have some pain - this is not a simple surgery, but also be prepared to celebrate the smallest of successes - they are important. Wear loose fitting pants that are easy to get in and out of.  Have a pair of shoes that are supportive but not a pain to get on and off.  Gather some books/projects that you can do to keep yourself amused during your down time (I am not a fan of daytime TV, but...) as you will spend a goodly portion of the first few weeks in bed, resting.  The knee recovery will certainly be important, but this is major surgery, so expect to be tired and out of sorts.  Above all, mind your OS, therapists, nurses, etc.  They have your best interest at heart, so be a good patient - take your meds, religiously do your exercises. and rest when you need to. 

Good luck and if you have more questions, just ask.
LatPKRGirl

[Sparrow]

See the post that I put up with the video and you will get a very good idea of what happens.  I am 6 weeks into recovery now and getting better each day.  Do what your OS and PTI says and take the meds you shouldn't have any real probs I am 55 and really glad I took the plunge.  BTW The vid is a bit like watching a carpentry program Norm Abram eat your heart out.  Heres the video http://www.or-live.com/v1/

To LatPKRGirl i saw your post and couldn't resist this "I walk, swim, do yoda and pilates, and some biking."  "Had a PKR you have MMM!! Much to tell you also have! Recover well and feel the force at the knee! Dont stray to the easy side of recovery for there is no easy way and you will find evil along that path if you try to take it you will!!" 

[foxpot]

I am having a unicompartmental knee replacement done on April 17. I'd appreciate any advice or input that I can get on this subject. I'm a 51 year old female who is having the repacement of the medial side of my right knee. I'm already scheduled to take a pre-op class, as well as a tour of the hopital replacement section and rehab center. Everything seems to coming into place very nicely. I just hope that it all goes smoothly and that my recovery isn't a long drawn out process.~~Cindy

hi Cindy,

I had unicompartmental knee replacement on my left knee in feb 2005 and am having a unicompartmental knee replacement on my right knee on april 13th....I have trauma induced osteorarthritis in both knees and so my recovery takes some time....in fact am still having physio on my left knee over a year later.......I am in the uk and am 44 years old whereabouts are you?

foxpot

[Giblet]

Hi there. New to the forum and love your posts! I’m 50 years old and I’m 4 weeks PKR (lateral). Like you I was active prior to the surgery and want to get back to “normal “ activities as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I’m starting to rethink what normal is going to mean moving forward.

I feel my recovery has been a success so far. At PT I’m at Zero when straightening my leg and 120 when bending. Sorry.... don’t know the tech terms, but I saw that you are a PT and understand. Walking is not an issue and I’m already doing some light cycling. Going up stairs is not a problem, but going down is difficult. No pain.... just weakness and discomfort. All and all, I couldn’t be happier with my doc and the procedure. It’s the first time I’ve been pain free in almost a year.

That being said, I’m a triathlete and a weekend warrior. I know those activities need to be tamed to a degree, but I hate to to think those days are over at age 50. It’s a big part of my life. What are your thoughts on sports post op? Is there a way to still be active (and by active I mean playing sports) and safe? Possibly using a brace to lessen impact moving forward.