I just underwent an Osteochondral Allograft on my left knee. I saw there haven't been many reports on this type of surgery here lately so I thought I would add my journey. This site has been really helpful in getting to this point so thanks to everyone who has posted here.
First a little background on me. I dislocated my left knee in my early teens and for over six years I dealt with multiple dislocations…it was to the point I didn't trust my knee anymore. Finally I went and had lateral release surgery. That stopped the dislocations so the surgery was a success. I didn't have any major problems with my knee for a couple decades. A few years ago my knee started to give me problems so I saw an orthopedist who recommended a total knee replacement. Another year later I sought out another orthopedist who recommended a partial knee replacement. My bone on bone pain had become so frequent that I needed to do something. After hearing about OATS surgery, and that I was a candidate for it, I decided to go with this route.
Surgery Day: I underwent surgery early in the morning. They put a nerve block on my leg. The pain was manageable with the medication. I stayed at the hospital that night and used the CPM machine for many hours to 30 degrees.
Post-op Day 1: The pain is still bearable thanks to the medication. My nerve block in my leg is over though I didn’t notice a huge increase in the pain. I still have a little nerve catheter in my thigh just above my knee. I have a hinged brace on my knee and I try to get out of bed to practice using crutches (toe-tap, no weight bearing on my left leg) for the first time after surgery and I pass out for a few seconds (my blood pressure got too low I think). After resting a few hours I am able to navigate the crutches. Straight leg raises are excruciating but I can get through them. The ROM on my knee brace is set to 60 degrees until my first follow up visit. I spend this night in the hospital as well. I use the CPM machine a lot on this day too.
Post-op Day 2: My vital signs are good and the doctors clear me to go home. PT clears me to go home after a session with the crutches and practicing going up and down stairs. I decide to go home and my dad takes me on the two-hour drive home. Pain level increases really that evening until I take the pain meds.
Post-op Day 3: I get up several times to use the bathroom. It is a major pain to use the toilet while on crutches. Being on crutches and non-weight bearing makes every little journey tiring. Straight-leg raises are too painful for me to do today. I sound like someone being attacked when I try to do them. I am very disappointed. I can do all of the other exercises I am supposed to do. Pain level is bearable with pain meds.
I’ll keep my little recovery journal going for a little while if anyone finds it useful. Let me know if there are questions.
Thanks!
