What to expect after your Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee Replacement surgery is a resurfacing procedure to remove the worn and damaged surfaces in an arthritic knee joint and replace them with an artificial metal and plastic bearing. It is a major surgery with an average recovery time of 6 to 8 weeks.
The patient typically starts walking 2 days after surgery, and needs the help of a walker for 5 to 10 days, followed by a walking stick for 2 to 4 months. The stitches are usually removed between 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
The patient should expect some intermittent pain and swelling for the first 3 months, and as this gradually reduces, the knee starts feeling comfortable. The knee muscles are weak for the first few months which give a feeling of instability. The overall function of the knee keeps on improving gradually for up to one year after the knee replacement.
Most patients get knee bending of more than 120 degrees, but complete bending like a normal knee is not possible. They can walk, sit on a low stool, do all daily activities, and even sit cross legged once in a while if required (although this is not recommended). Squatting position on the ground is the only activity which is absolutely not possible because it needs complete knee bending which only a normal knee can allow.
In summary, knee replacement is an extremely successful operation when done well in indicated cases. Most patients are very happy with the new knee after they recover from surgery. The recovery period is long and varies from patient to patient, but it may sometimes take as long as 6 months to a year to get the maximum benefit from surgery.
COMMON CONDITIONS THAT LEAD TO TKR (Total Knee Replacement)
Osteoarthritis
- Primary
- Secondary
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Who Is A Candidate For TKR?
- Quality Of Life Severely Affected
- Daily Pain
- Restriction Of Ordinary Activities
- Evidence Of Significant Radiological Changes In The Joint
- All Methods Of Conservative And Medical Management Tried But No Improvement
What Is The Right Time ???
- Old Age With More Sedantary Life Style
- Younger Patients With Limited Function
- Progressive Deformity
- Before “Things Get Out Of Hand”-
Decrease in ROM , Deformity,Contracture,Joint Instability or Muscle Atrophy.
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