Post-Op Knee Replacement - Care & What to Expect

Post-op knee replacement recovery requires patience and dedication, but you don't have to go through it alone. We'll explain how it works and how our specialists at Victorian Bone and Joint can assist you.

Firstly, why might you need a knee replacement? The reasons are manifold, but they can include:

• Osteoarthritis (this is the most common reason for knee replacement).
• Rheumatoid arthritis:
• Severe knee injury.
• Less common reasons, such as gout, bone dysplasia and haemophilia.

Whatever the reason, a knee replacement can significantly improve the quality of life, especially after post-operation recovery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will carefully determine the underlying cause of your knee condition and assess what type of knee replacement surgery will be able to restore mobility and flexibility.

During a knee replacement surgery (also known as a knee arthroplasty), the surgeon carefully removes the damaged cartilage and tissue within the knee. The surgeon then implants metal and plastic components that replace the damaged areas of the knee. These components (typically including femoral, tibial and patellar components) are designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee.

How many components are required will depend on whether the surgery is total or partial. During a total knee replacement surgery (TKR), the whole knee joint is replaced. In contrast, in a partial knee replacement (PKR), only the damaged parts of the joint are replaced. There is no 'better' option: it will fully depend on your knee's condition. Note that it's normal to be apprehensive before knee replacement surgery, but your surgeon should be able to put your mind at ease and put your comfort first both before and during the operation.

The knee replacement surgery, however, marks the beginning of a journey toward recovery and renewed mobility in your knee joint. Consequently, knee replacement recovery time will vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery, as well as the surgeon's recommended recovery plan.

Patients receiving a robotic knee replacement may experience slight differences in recovery time depending on the surgical technique and pre-operative planning.

In the next section, we'll examine how recovery time after a knee replacement works and how to work alongside a specialist to make recovery as quick and painless as possible.

Examining Total and Partial Knee Replacement Recovery Time

A successful knee replacement recovery will return you to an active lifestyle quickly and without fuss. As aforementioned, recovery time will vary, but here's a general outline of the recovery timeline of a knee replacement.

Post-Surgical Care

Knee replacement surgery will require anaesthesia. You may choose between general anaesthesia, where you're unconscious. The alternative is regional anaesthesia, allowing consciousness but numbing the surgical (knee) area. Your doctor will discuss the best option based on your health and preferences.

It is normal to experience discomfort after knee replacement surgery. You may be advised to stay in hospital for a day or two after the operation. This is normal and ensures that your pain can be adequately managed. Whether you receive outpatient or inpatient care in the first 48 hours will depend on whether you are displaying strong nausea, whether your pain is adequately managed and whether your blood pressure and other vital signs fall within an acceptable range. It is likely that you will have to stay for longer if you have simultaneous bilateral knee replacements, intolerable pain and overall frailty.

Some surgeons may suggest that their patients use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. A CPM machine is motorised to move the knee back and forth; introducing flexibility and preventing stiffness from inertia.

Before leaving the hospital, you might be talked through some physical exercises to get you started. 

Week 1

In the week after the operation, you will be strongly encouraged to complete exercises that allow you to return to the normal routines in your life.

• You may note symptoms of the operation like swelling, bruising, and inflammation around the knee area - they might change for 3-7 days: potentially getting worse as a normal stage of healing.
• At this point, you will be completing regular exercises to encourage flexibility in your knee joint. For example, gait training can restore regular walking movements.
• These exercises may take place both at home and at supervised physical therapy sessions.

Keep track of how your knee feels so you can describe it in detail to your physical therapist.

Week 3

During the third week, signs of improvement should be visible, and you can begin to make tentative steps towards resuming normal activities.

• The swelling and discomfort should have drastically decreased at this stage. You will likely be able to complete activities like walking, climbing stairs and swimming. Ensure that you sit and stand up regularly to keep your knee flexible.
• In fact, many people have progressed to the point where they do not need any assistive walking equipment, such as canes.
• Rather than comfortable motion, the focus of physical therapy should be on rebuilding strength.
• You may or may not require prescriptions for pain management at this stage.

Specialists may recommend modifying your home or workplace environment during recovery to reduce strain and avoid complications after surgery.

Weeks 4-6

Our specialists are frequently asked what to expect 4 weeks post op total knee replacement. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect at this stage:

• Pain and swelling will reduce further, with discomfort also dwindling.
• At this stage, you can likely return to a desk job (though, if you work a more physical job, you may have to wait for a few more weeks).
• You may also feel comfortable enough to drive. It's best to consult your specialist before attempting to do so, though. It's also important to not take sedative prescriptions while driving.
• Typically, air travel is advisable after the six-week mark following knee replacement surgery. Extended periods of immobility - such as from sitting on flights - can heighten the risk of blood clot formation.

You may also be wondering, ' Should I still have pain 5 weeks after knee replacement surgery?'. Discomfort should be minimal; however, it's normal to experience some soreness as your knee continues to heal and strengthen. If anything feels awry at this stage, report it immediately to your knee specialist.

Weeks 7-11

At this stage, physical therapy should be driving forwards improvements in your knee joint.

• Exercises will strengthen the muscles around your knee joints. By improving your muscle strength, you can access a full range of movement.
• You can (very gently) experiment by varying the duration and intensity of low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming.

Some patients may begin exploring low-impact sports, though these activities should only resume under the guidance of a specialist.

Weeks 12

Week 12 (roughly 4 months after the operation) will mark an important stage in your recovery. At this point, the role of the specialist will evolve from active treatment and rehabilitation to ongoing monitoring and support.

• You will have achieved a full range of motion (ROM) in your knee and should be undertaking usual movements without discomfort.
• At this stage, though your knee replacement recovery shouldn't be impacting the quality of your life, you should not be undertaking any high-impact exercises (such as cycling, running and aerobics).

If you start any new activities at this point, it's best to check in with the specialist first so as not to set back your recovery.

Weeks 13 Onwards

• Any lingering effects of discomfort and pain will be gradually phased out.
• If you haven't phased out the use of assistive walking devices (crutches, walkers and so on), you will likely find them redundant at this stage.
• Likewise, your prescription may be reduced.

Knee replacement implants are built for longevity: mostly lasting 20 - 30 years. Hopefully, you will only have to undergo the post-op knee replacement recovery process once in your lifetime.

Though it results in a better, healthier outcome, full recovery from knee replacement can be gradual. Most patients can begin to resume regular activities within three months, but regaining optimal strength and resilience in your knee joint may take up to a year. Physical rehabilitation will accelerate the recovery process.

The primary focus of knee replacement physical rehabilitation is to be able to straighten and bend the knee joint comfortably and walk independently (i.e., without an assistive walking device). What level of activity works for one patient will likely not work for all patients. It's important to listen to what your body and knee joints are telling you, avoiding overexertion but gently testing your knee's abilities.

However, you can improve your knee condition outside of specialist guidance. Some of our top tips for expediting post-knee replacement recovery time include:

• Rest as much as possible. Sleep is shown to support tissue recovery and assist with your energy levels.
• Managing the stress associated with an invasive procedure is essential for optimal recovery. It's important to be realistic and not subject yourself to unnecessary pressure. Taking advantage of emotional support from family and friends can significantly contribute to a positive recovery journey. And, of course, a bone and joint specialist will provide warm, professional advice and support throughout recovery.
• Moreover, ensure that you eat essential nutrients that help replenish knee tissues. Incorporating key nutrients like protein, calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet is not challenging — ask a specialist for more information.
• There are a variety of walking aids that can provide temporary relief while your knee regains full mobility - walkers, crutches and canes, to name a few.

And, of course, follow your specialist or surgeon's advice. If you're unsure about any recommendations, don't be afraid to ask for further explanations or clarification. The role of a specialist is to communicate effectively and ensure that you feel supported throughout the entire post-op knee replacement process.

Get In Touch to Find Out More About Post Knee Replacement Care

Our specialists have helped hundreds of patients through their post-operation journeys. Our reviews mentioned that our specialists are 'welcoming, warm and professional, 'accommodating, kind and caring' and 'personable, unhurried, attentive, and professional'. We believe that making a connection with our clients is crucial in building trust and understanding their unique needs, allowing us to provide personalised care and achieve optimal outcomes in bone and joint health - such as post-op knee replacements.

If you have any questions at all about our post knee replacement care, please get in touch with us or visit our office at Suite 7/55 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia.