| Having to consider getting a knee replaced itself can | | | | expect a minimum of 3 days in the hospital and up to |
| be daunting to a lot of people. Their will come a time | | | | 5 in some cases. Again this depends on after surgery |
| when there will have to be decision made to whether | | | | results and if there are complications or not. |
| you will have a full knee replacement or a partial knee | | | | 3. The partial knee replacement can be converted to |
| replacement. | | | | a full replacement later down the road if needed. |
| Now of course prior to this point you have been in | | | | With a partial knee replacement the conversion is |
| consultation with your orthopedic surgeon and, they | | | | rather simple, with a full replacement this becomes a |
| have considered you a good candidate for surgery. | | | | more invasive procedure when having to do a |
| Not everyone for instance will be able to withstand | | | | revision again with a longer rehabilitation process |
| the surgery for one reason or another. Determining | | | | involved as well. |
| whether you have the option of having either a | | | | Depending on who you talk with there may be |
| partial knee replacement or need a full replacement | | | | several more benefits between the two but, the |
| will depend on the condition of the knee and the | | | | three listed are the major ones to consider. |
| overall wear and its locations. | | | | When it comes to the rehabilitation of the two I |
| There are some surgeons that do not do partial | | | | have found working with both for a number of years |
| replacements and will prefer the full replacement only. | | | | that the partial replacement progress is rapid when it |
| There are a number of reasons for this but it will | | | | comes to pain and flexibility due to the fact its less |
| depend on their preference. With a partial knee | | | | invasive and less tissue destruction involved and, the |
| replacement there are several advantages. | | | | major ligaments are preserved as well. Both however |
| 1. Less recovery time. Generally you are back on | | | | I have found get very good results if they are cared |
| your feet in 3-5 weeks depending on your overall | | | | for properly during recovery and not pushed beyond |
| condition. With a total knee replacement you can | | | | their ability to recover after exercise. |
| expect 6-8 weeks in recovery. | | | | If you surgeon feels a partial replacement will suffice |
| 2. Less time spent in the hospital after surgery. With | | | | in your case and is willing to do it then by all means |
| a partial replacement you have the surgery one day | | | | have it done and save yourself time and maintain a |
| and may come home the next if there are no | | | | excellent quality of life as well. |
| complications. With a total replacement you can | | | | |