Hi Oldfella,
I didn’t have a full knee replacement but I had 3 out of 4 knee ligaments replaced (both cruciates- ACL & PCL and a collateral )after a very bad kiteboarding accident 3 years ago.
Just like Austblue’s mum I had to go back 10 weeks later to get it crunched as the scar tissue built up. At that stage I only had 45 degree bend. 3 years later I’m lucky to get 90 – 100 degrees.
Here are my learnings from the experience:
1. Do exactly what the surgeon says after the operation. Don’t do more or less otherwise you might compromise the knee.
2. When he/she gives you the ok to start physio. Don’t do the bloke thing at say ‘yeh yeh’ but do exactly what is required…. Again no more or less.
3. Do yourself a favour and buy a physio mouldable cold packs. This will be you new best friend during your period of recovery. The art is to get the inflammation down as much as possible to stop the scar tissue building. I found ICE or cold pack more effective than anti inflammatory pills (it doesn’t screw up your stomach) after 2 weeks.
4. If you have the operation in 4 weeks time you need to start working your quad muscles now in preparation for the op. You will loose 30-40% of your quad muscle during the operation and it takes 6-12 months to build it back up. Since trailbike riding is dependent on strong quad’s I would highly recommend working the muscle NOW.
5. Accept that your rehab is ongoing…. It never finishes. I’m still doing mine and my quad is about 90% there.
6. If you are asked to keep bending the knee then do it…. Otherwise you will have my problem and have troubles going down stairs. It hurts but its good pain….so they say.
7. Lastly don’t rush back into trail bike riding. Only you will know when its right to get back into it. I got back on my kiteboard 11months 29 days after the operation and I haven’t stopped…. I’m just bit more sensible….well on the kiteboard but not on trailbike.
I did an OBT ride yesterday in the Watagan’s – about 120km. As most of my riding was on the pegs my knee was quiet stiff and sore. It’s like having bog in your knee. It’s a feeling that I have gotten use too ….. I still kiteboard but wear a knee brace. I’m considering a knee brace for trailriding. More for support to ensure the knee doesn’t go into funny positions again.
Well I hope this has helped and if you have any specific questions on rehab PM me as I had lots and lots of experience.
Good luck.
