Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Partial Knee Resurfacing
Partial Knee Resurfacing Physiotherapy
Partial knee resurfacing, also called partial knee replacement, involves replacing only the damaged compartment of the knee joint rather than the entire joint. It is often considered when arthritis or degeneration is limited to a single compartment, making a total knee replacement unnecessary. This procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and preserve as much of the healthy bone and tissue in the knee as possible.
There are three compartments of the knee: the medial (inside) compartment, the lateral (outside) compartment, and the patellofemoral (knee cap) compartment. Partial knee resurfacing (PKR) can be carried out to help relieve arthritis that is affecting one compartment of the knee considerably more than the other compartments. With PKR, only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced helping to reduce the trauma to healthy bone and tissue. Partial knee resurfacing can be referred to in three different ways:
- Medial partial knee resurfacing – replacement of the inside (medial) compartment of the knee.
- Lateral partial knee resurfacing – replacement of the outside (lateral) compartment of the knee.
- Patellofemoral partial knee resurfacing – replacement of the compartment under the kneecap (patellofemoral).
Partial knee resurfacing surgery involves removing the damaged bone from the affected compartment of the knee and replacing it with a knee implant that is designed to mimic the natural movement of the joint. To secure the implant, the surgeon typically prepares the bone by creating a precise surface and then fuses the implant to the bone using specialized bone cement. In some cases, screws or pins may be used to fix the implant, though this method is less commonly employed.
Partial knee resurfacing offers several advantages over total knee replacement, including shorter surgery time, a smaller incision, and a faster recovery. Because less bone is removed, there is reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less pain and a more natural-feeling knee after surgery. However, if arthritis has caused extensive damage, a total knee replacement is usually recommended. It is also important to note that partial knee resurfacing is not permanent, and over time, a total knee replacement may become necessary.
Physiotherapy before partial knee resurfacing
Before undergoing partial knee resurfacing surgery, it is highly recommended to participate in a personalised physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com. This pre-surgery programme will help prepare your knee, reduce post-surgical recovery time, and optimise surgical outcomes. The physiotherapy will focus on strengthening the muscles around your knee, as well as supporting muscles in your hip, ankle, and the unaffected leg. Additionally, exercises will maintain the range of movement in your knee and ensure the joint is in optimal condition, helping to guarantee a more successful surgery and smoother recovery.
Symptoms after partial knee replacement
Immediately following your partial knee replacement, you can expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness in your knee, which will be managed with appropriate pain relief and therapeutic modalities. Your range of movement will be limited initially, and you will be provided with elbow crutches, bearing weight on your leg as tolerated. Driving will not be permitted until you regain a full, pain-free range of motion. It is essential to begin physiotherapy immediately after your surgery to optimise recovery, reduce stiffness, restore function, and ensure the best possible outcome for your knee.
Physiotherapy after partial knee replacement
It is crucial to participate in a comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com following your partial knee replacement. This will maximise the success of your surgery, reduce the risk of future complications, and help delay the need for a total knee replacement later on. One of the key advantages of a partial knee replacement is that the rehabilitation period is significantly shorter compared to that of a total knee replacement, allowing for a quicker return to normal activities.
Early stages (0-4 weeks)
During the early stages of your rehabilitation, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will focus on controlling pain and swelling, improving the range of movement in your knee, and helping you become fully weight bearing and mobile as soon as possible after your surgery. Additional goals will include strengthening the muscles around your affected knee, as well as those in your hip and ankle, and also supporting the muscles in your opposite leg. Your physiotherapy will include:
- Pain and swelling management using modalities such as ice, compression, and elevation
- Gentle range of motion exercises to maintain and improve knee mobility
- Gradual weight bearing and gait training with the use of crutches
- Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip, and ankle muscles
- Exercises for the opposite leg to provide support and maintain overall balance
- Education on safe movement and daily activity modifications to protect your knee
Later stages (1-2 months)
As your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com progresses, the focus will now be on the continuation and advancement of exercises from previous weeks. This stage aims to achieve full range of motion, enhance strength and endurance, restore normal gait patterns, and prepare you for sport or activity-specific movements. Your physiotherapy programme will include:
- Continuation and progression of strengthening exercises for the muscles around your knee, hip, ankle, and opposite leg
- Stretching exercises to maintain and improve flexibility in the knee and surrounding muscles
- Full range of motion exercises to ensure painless and unrestricted knee movement
- Gait re-education to restore normal walking patterns and correct any compensatory movements
- Proprioception and balance training to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injury
- Cardiovascular fitness exercises to enhance overall endurance and support knee recovery
- Functionally specific exercises tailored to your work, hobbies, or sports activities
After successfully completing two months of physiotherapy, you should now have a painless, full range of movement in your knee along with adequate strength in your lower limbs. Your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will now focus on functional, activity-specific exercises. At this stage, you may begin participating in more physically demanding activities that are tailored to your sport, hobby, or daily functional needs.
The success of your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com will depend on your commitment to your physiotherapy programme, your initial condition, and the specific type of partial knee resurfacing surgery you have undergone.
Summary
Partial knee resurfacing is a surgical procedure that replaces the surfaces of only part of the knee joint and serves as an alternative to a total knee replacement when the latter is unnecessary. It is particularly recommended if degenerative conditions such as arthritis significantly affect one or two of the three compartments of the knee, impairing its function. Partial knee resurfacing helps relieve arthritis-related symptoms, improves range of movement, enhances knee function, and delays the need for a total knee replacement. After a partial knee replacement, it is essential to follow a comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com to maximise the success of your surgery. Physiotherapy will help reduce pain and swelling, increase strength, range of movement, and flexibility in your knee. acephysiosports.com will provide a personalised physiotherapy programme designed to ensure the full return of function in your knee and enable you to resume your everyday activities as soon as possible. Call acephysiosports.com now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
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