Will I be able to swing & ballroom dance after knee replacement?

I totally agree, and that's my point. When someone asks a question there is no "Definitely" answer.

Your question is analogous to asking whether a baby will be healthy after birth. Most patients have good outcomes but things can go wrong. Just read the postings on this forum to get a sense of what those problems can be. Bear in mind that everyone loses flexion because the implants are built for stability and longevity. For example, if your pre-op flexion is 140 degrees (like mine), the average post-op flexion is 120 degrees. I got only 110-115 degrees after nine months of rigorous PT. And 4% of patients get less than 90 degrees and need Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA), which isn’t always successful. So, you’ll probably have a good outcome, but there’s no guarantee.

Also, it’s important to have realistic expectations about your recovery time. Some people seem to bounce back after a few months but it can take much longer for others. In my case: I had distracting pain until month 7; it took longer than that to walk downstairs reciprocally; and it took 14 months before I could walk up and downstairs reciprocally without holding on to the railing. My surgeon said I’ll continue to heal for at least two years and he’s right. I continue to get improved flexion and strength. My point is that even if you can eventually do all your dance moves, it might take a couple of years to get there.

@bag1957, as you can see from the varied responses that you got to your very good question, everyone is different. I'm digging up 2 older discussions that a former mentor started that I think you'll find helpful as you prepare for your knee replacement.

- TKR #2..... Lessons I am learning https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tkr-2-lessons-i-am-learning/
- What can you do to extend the life of your TKR and mobility? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-can-you-do-to-extend-the-life-of-your-tkr-and-mobility/

There are many other great tips throughout the group on returning to former activities and increasing your chances to the desired range of motion and mobility. What I like about the focus on the 2 discussions I linked above is the focus on what you CAN do. If cycling and dancing are activities that are important to you and bring you joy, you can take steps (pun intended) to get back to doing them.

After surgery the physical therapist will be your new best friend and help you to getting back on the dance floor. When will you have the surgery done?

@steveinarizona
You made me LOL and I needed that! Thx!
I have NO sense of rhythm whatsoever!

I really don't know, but all I can tell you is being able to walk again without massive pain has been wonderful. I dance around the house and seem to do fine. Now unfortunately I will need a hip replacement. 😊

@karenheller, try doing squats exercise, that's what helped me get more flex in my knees. 😊

@maryje & @karenheller There are YouTube videos of squats done holding a countertop or table for stability. After ACL/MCL surgery years ago, I did them at my desk while on phone calls. According to my PT, the trick is to get to your maximum flexion and hold for 5-10 seconds, and do 5-10 reps. I got an additional 15% flexion after a few weeks.