What You Need To Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

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Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that's frequently completed, but that doesn't mean that it isn't normal for you to worry. It's okay to be scared about the outcome of your knee replacement surgery. After all, if your knee doesn't function correctly, you aren't able to walk properly. Fortunately, learning what to expect after knee replacement surgery can help put your mind at ease.

Recovery Time

The amount of time it takes you to recover after knee replacement surgery depends on whether your orthopedic surgeon performs that operation traditionally or uses a method that's less invasive. Typically, total knee replacement surgery results in up to 12 weeks of recovery and rehab. However, if your surgeon can perform a minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, your recovery time won't be as long. The newer, less-invasive procedure allows the surgeon to insert knee implants without harming the quadricep muscle -- which is why the procedure is sometimes called quadricep-sparing knee replacement surgery.

When Can You Walk Again?

You can expect to be standing -- with assistance -- anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after your surgery is complete. While you're in the hospital, your physical therapist will help you perform knee exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee implant, as well as walk with the assistance of a cane or walker. While it might seem like the hospital staff wants you to stand and walk too soon after surgery, it's extremely important for you to start using your artificial knee as soon as possible.

By the time you're released from the hospital -- which normally takes between three and five days -- you should be able to dress and bathe on your own; walk with minimal help from an assistive device; and bend your leg. If you follow the rehabilitation schedule created by your physical therapist, you should be able to start weaning yourself away from the assistive walking device within four to six weeks after your surgery was completed. By 12 weeks post-op, you should be able to resume all of your normal daily activities without any assistance -- as long as you avoid any high-impact activities and sports, such as running, aerobics, and basketball.

Prepare Your Home

Depending on your recovery needs, you'll either stay in a rehab facility while you recover or you'll recover at home. If you are going home after your knee replacement surgery, you need to make sure your home is prepared properly.

  • Rearrange your furniture so that it's easy for you to walk around while you're using a walker or cane.
  • Remove anything from the floor that could cause you to slip or fall, such as rugs or electrical cords.
  • Make sure you have a place to sit that allows you to get up and down easily -- a recliner that is firm and has a seat that's higher than average is a good option.
  • Install a raised toilet seat, gripping bar, and shower chair in your bathroom.

It's important to remember that recovering from knee replacement surgery takes time. You'll need to be patient during the recovery process. Also, if you have any questions about recovery, you should discuss the situation with your orthopedic surgeon or company like Gotham City Orthopedics before your surgery date.

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