After Knee replacement Surgery

In the surgical ward, you may be have an infusion pump giving you regular painkillers that enables you to self-administer painkillers at a safe rate. You may also be given oxygen through a mask or tubes. If necessary, you will be given a blood transfusion.

You will have a large dressing on your knee to protect your wound. Your wound dressing will be changed regularly until it has healed over.

How soon will I be up and about?

The staff will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you have had minimally invasive surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme. You may be able to walk on the same day as your operation.

Walking with a frame or crutches is encouraged. Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week but this can vary depending on the individual.

During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation. It is important to follow the physiotherapist's advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.

It is normal to experience initial discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen.

You may be put on a passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.

When can I go home?

You will usually be in hospital for 5-6 days after one sided knee replacement and 6-8 days after a both side knee surgery, depending on what progress you make and what type of knee replacement you have.

If you are generally fit and well, then Dr Arora may suggest an enhanced recovery programme where you start walking on the day of the operation and are discharged within two to three days.

How will I feel when I get home?

Do not be surprised if you feel very tired at first. You have had a major operation and muscles and tissues surrounding your new knee will take time to heal. Follow the advice mentioned in the discharge summary and call us if you have any particular worries or queries.

You will need home help for a few weeks and it is recommended that you do regular exercises under supervision of a physiotherapist after your knee surgery. Usually, one of the physiotherapist associated with the Gurgaon Knee and Shoulder Clinic would be happy to supervise your progress at home on a regular basis, if desired. Please let us know if you need any home physiotherapy to be arranged

The exercises your physiotherapist gives you are an important part of your recovery. It is essential you continue with them once you are at home.

How long will it be before I feel normal?

You should be able to stop using crutches or walking frame and resume normal leisure activities three to six weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to three months for pain and swelling to settle down.

Your new knee will continue to recover up to two years after your operation. During this time, scar tissue will heal and muscles will be restored by exercise.

When can I drive again?

You can resume driving when you can bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car and control the car properly. This is usually around four to six weeks after your surgery, but check with Dr Jayant Arora whether it is safe for you to drive.

When can I go back to work?

This depends on your job, but you can usually return to work six to 12 weeks after your operation.

When can I do housework?

For the first three months, you should be able to manage light work, such as dusting and washing up. Avoid heavy household tasks such as lifting/shifting furniture and changing the beds. Do not stand for long periods as this may cause ankle swelling and avoid stretching up or bending down for the first six weeks.

Will I have to go back to the hospital?

You will be given an outpatient appointment at the Gurgaon Knee and shoulder clinic to check on your progress, usually 2 weeks after your knee replacement. The Dr Arora will want to see you again a 6 weeks later, and every year after that to X-ray your knee and make sure it is functioning well.