What to expect after total knee replacement surgery?
Planning a total knee replacement surgery can be an unpleasant experience. But the fact is that knee replacement surgeons perform knee replacement surgeries regularly and with high success rates.
The advancement of technology in recent years is remarkable. As a result, we have access to a variety of new medical processes or procedures that provide extraordinary results than ever before.
Knee replacement surgery is one such invention, a technique that involves placing prosthetics in the joint to restore its function.
What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement surgery commonly known as total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged knee joint. Plastic and metal prosthetics are used to replace damaged parts of the knee joint such as cartilage and bone.
People who suffer from chronic arthritis or who have suffered a severe knee injury may need this type of surgery. A knee replacement surgery is recommended by an orthopaedic doctor by evaluating the strength of your knee, stability, and range of motion. The type of surgery and prosthesis used will depend on several factors like your weight, age, size & shape of your knee, level of activity, and overall health.
What to Expect After Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
After the surgery, you may be shifted to the recovery room for observation. As soon as your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing have stabilized, they are shifted to their general rooms.
Before returning home, you must stay in the hospital for a few days since knee replacement is a major surgical procedure. During this hospital stay, your physical therapy starts.
When you’re ready to return home, your healthcare provider will prepare a rehabilitation plan to help you with pain management and continuing physical therapy. It is very important that you follow the instructions of your doctor strictly to regain the strength and mobility of your joint.
After a total knee replacement surgery, you can expect the following:
Rest and Ice: Knees become swollen and tender after having surgery, so it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for elevating and icing the knee joint.
Medications: In addition to managing pain, medications can also help to reduce inflammation. It is sometimes necessary to use antibiotics to prevent infection.
Follow Up Visits: Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments with you to review the recovery process. During the follow-up visit, any surgical staples or stitches that are fixed in the surgery will be removed. you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual symptoms like redness around the joint, fever, discharge from the incision, or increased pain.
Home Modifications: You may need to do a few modifications in your home to move around freely. It is necessary for you to use crutches during the healing process of your knee. Patients who have recovered somewhat may switch to using a cane or walker. Consider modifying your bathroom with handrails, a shower bench, and a reach stick to access things easily. Also, remove any loose cords or rugs that can interfere with your mobility and prevent falls.
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during the 12 weeks post-surgery:
Days 1 – 3: During your hospital stay, a physical therapist and occupational therapist will assist you with bending and straightening your operated knee.
Discharge Day: Generally, most of the patients will be discharged within a few days from the hospital after surgery. You will be given specific instructions for care, medication, and therapy when you are discharged from the hospital.
Week 3: In the third week, you should be able to move around more comfortably, and you will be experiencing less pain.
Weeks 4 – 6: If you follow your rehabilitation and exercise program consistently, you will observe great improvements in this time frame.
Weeks 7 – 11: Continue with physical therapy and other rehabilitation. Now you will focus on muscle strengthening, mobility, and range of motion.
Week 12: You can resume normal activities, but high-impact activities (like aerobics, jogging, tennis and other sport activities etc) still need to be avoided.
Following this initial recovery period, you will continue to see a reduction in pain, along with an improvement in knee functioning. To know more detailed information contact Dr. Ajay Kumar Tiwari, one of the leading knee replacement surgeon in Hyderabad. He has more than 12 years of experience doing various knee replacement surgeries. Call +91 98499 82203 to book an Appointment.
