It seems I need a partial knee replacement, my question is: How many of you have had partial and do you recommend a full knee replacement instead ?
I have one Dr that would prefer full over partial.
I'm 75 and they say a partial will only last 15-20 years, I told him; I doubt that I'll last 15-20 years.
Opinions please.
Thanks
I had a partial in 2010. It lasted seven years (the outer part that wasn't replaced had to be repaired), so they had to take out the partial and do a total. The part they didn't replace in 2010 did not fail; only the other part of my knee deteriorated. I was OK doing the second surgery because that means that my current replacement parts have seven fewer years of wear and tear. My doctor told me that a partial knee replacement is your first one, and a total is your last.
I had a partial in 2022 and my doctor gave no indication that its life expectancy or performance would be any different than a full. I'm told the recovery from a partial is "easier" than a full. I plan to get a full on my other knee in the next 12 months or so. I was under the impression that if a partial works than go with that, but others may disagree.
I would recommend a total. I worked 45 years in a big hospital. 30 years in surgery and several close friends are excellent orthopedic surgeons. Dec. 2022 I slipped and tore my ACL. I was already bone on bone and consulted my orthopedic friends and they all said do a total knee. I had my surgery last March and was back on the field playing in July. Running was difficult but I could jog to first. Played in Vegas and won World's at 70 M , even got an all-star patch. I'm 72 and if you religiously do your rehab and ice you should be able to play within 6 months. But like MurrayW told me, work hard rehabbing and you will see results. Get a couple of more opinions from good orthopedic surgeons to ease your mind. Good luck.
T-mon, hasn't running always been difficult for you? :)
Murray you know everything is difficult for me. That's why I don't do anything without consulting you. :))
Thanks for all the info, it's appreciated
