PKR recovery time after knee scope

[crazycatlady 6-20-2011]

After having a patello femoral replacement done back in 2011 things were going pretty good till the last 6 months when I had an increase in pain, stiffness and just about the same pain before my replacement.
The Dr. scoped my knee on 2-20 and repaired a small meniscus tear, frayed torn cartlidge and removed arthritis from the femur condyles and drilled 3 holes in the top of the tibia to hopefully make scar tissure to cushion the area.
As for recovery the Dr. just said to go from 2 crutches to one to none as I feel I'm ready and to increase activity and go back to stationary bike as the knee feels ready for it.
Right now I'm trying to get around with no crutches, but due to increase in pain going to go back to one. I'm icing, elevating and taking pain meds. How long will the pain and discomfort last? I'm suppose to go back to work on 3/8 and right now it looks like it is going to be difficult. Just wanteds some first hand info from people who have been there!

Thanks,
Lynn

 

[Jamie]

I don't think anyone can say how long you might have pain and discomfort, Lynn. It depends on what is going on with your knee. It sounds like your doctor did what he could to try and avoid going ahead with a full TKR.

It is possible that your arthritis is advancing and the things the doctor did will not get you back to a pain-free state. Sorry to be the bearer of possible bad news, but this happens sometimes with partials. Only time will tell....a month or so and you'll know if this buys you more time.

As for work, you'll just need to do as much as your body will allow. Hopefully your boss will understand. Is it possible for you to do some work from home?

 

[maryo52]

My scope back in 2000 did not hurt for a long time. I just didn't sense improvement for a long long time -- perhaps a year. I'm guessing your path will be quite different than mine.

 

[Josephine]

The Dr. scoped my knee on 2-20 and repaired a small meniscus tear, frayed torn cartilage and removed arthritis from the femur condyles and drilled 3 holes in the top of the tibia to hopefully make scar tissue to cushion the area.

Oo-er! I would never let a surgeon "remove arthritis" from inside the joint. It can't be done. All he really does is do the arthritis' job for it! And the drilling of holes is to cause the bone to bleed in the (very) faint hope that it will stimulate new bone growth. All that really happens is that your progress towards conversion to a TKR is advance by some months. Ask Jamie - she knows whereof I speak!

So, with all you've had done, I would estimate that there is little chance of you being fit to return to work on the 8th. It's more likely going to take another 2-3 weeks at least before you feel ready. My surgeon just did a meniscal trim and told me to rest up for about 6 weeks though I felt ready at about 4 weeks. But I wasn't working then! I don't think you were done any favours by not being more circumspect in advice.