
Total Knee Arthroplasty - Get Back to Life!
Welcome to your Knee Recovery Journey
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and restore function. This procedure is commonly recommended for individuals suffering from severe arthritis or significant knee injuries.
Welcome to your recovery journey. We understand that undergoing knee replacement surgery is a significant step, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to heal comfortably and confidently.
Immediate Post-Surgery Expectations
The First Few Weeks at Home
As you transition home, it's important to follow your care plan diligently. Use assistive devices as recommended, and gradually increase your activity level. Attending all follow-up appointments ensures your recovery is on track
After surgery, it's normal to experience some discomfort and swelling. Our medical team will work closely with you to manage pain effectively. You'll begin gentle movements soon after the procedure to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Long-Term Recovery and Lifestyle Adjustments
Recovery is a gradual process, and patience is key. Most patients return to their regular activities within a few months. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercises can prolong the benefits of your new knee.
Engaging in physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and mobility. Exercises such as supported knee bends and walking with assistance will be introduced to help you restore function. Your therapist will tailor a program to meet your specific needs.
Protocols
Phase 1: Immediate Post-operative Phase (Day 0 - Hospital Discharge)
Goals:
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Control pain and swelling
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Protect healing tissue
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Begin restoring range of motion (ROM)
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Establish lower extremity muscle activation
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Restore independent functional mobility
Precautions:
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Weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) with crutches or walker
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Monitor for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Recommended Exercises:
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Passive and active-assisted knee flexion and extension
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Heel slides
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Quad sets, glute sets, hamstring sets
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Straight leg raises (emphasizing no lag)
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Ankle pumps
Functional Mobility:
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Bed mobility training
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Transfer training
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Gait training on level surfaces
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Stair training (if appropriate)
Phase 2: Early Post-operative Phase (Hospital Discharge - 8 Weeks)
Goals:
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Improve ROM (target: 0-110 degrees)
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Restore muscle strength, especially quadriceps
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Initiate proprioceptive training
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Normalize functional mobility
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Wean from assistive devices
Precautions:
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Progress weight-bearing as tolerated
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Monitor wound healing and signs of infection
Recommended Exercises:
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Continue Phase 1 exercises
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Heel slides with towel
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Prone knee flexion
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Stationary biking (starting with partial revolutions)
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Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint mobilizations
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Hamstring, gastrocnemius/soleus, and quadriceps stretching
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Closed chain exercises (mini-squats, step-ups) by end of phase
Functional Mobility:
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Gait training emphasizing normal gait pattern
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Progress to cane, then no assistive device as appropriate
Phase 3: Intermediate Phase (8-12 Weeks)
Goals:
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Maximize knee ROM
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Restore normal lower extremity strength
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Return to baseline functional activities
Precautions:
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Avoid high-impact activities
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Avoid activities requiring repeated pivoting/twisting
Recommended Exercises:
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Continue previous exercises, increasing resistance
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Add resistance machines (leg press, hamstring curl, hip exercises)
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Single-leg stance and balance exercises
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Gentle agility exercises (tandem walk, side-stepping)
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Progress biking program, adding mild to moderate resistance
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Begin walking program
Phase 4: Advanced Phase (12 Weeks and Beyond)
Goals:
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Continue improving strength and endurance
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Return to recreational activities as appropriate
Precautions:
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Avoid high-impact and contact sports
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Avoid repetitive heavy lifting
Recommended Exercises:
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Progress strengthening exercises
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Advance proprioceptive and balance training
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Increase intensity and duration of cardiovascular exercises
Key Milestones:
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By 8 weeks: ROM should be 0-110 degrees
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By 12 weeks: Patients should be able to walk on uneven surfaces with minimal assistance
Additional Recovery Tips:
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Apply ice after exercising to manage swelling.
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Follow your healthcare provider's advice before advancing activities.
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Individual progress may vary; always listen to your body.
This protocol serves as a general guide, and individual progress may vary based on specific patient factors and surgical outcomes.
Driving
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Left knee replacement: As early as 2-4 weeks if driving an automatic transmission and off narcotic pain medication
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Right knee replacement: Generally 6-8 weeks, depending on regaining reflexes and muscle strength
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Overall range: Most patients can resume driving between 2-8 weeks after surgery
Light Sports (e.g., Golf)
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Hitting balls off a mat: Around 6 weeks post-surgery
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Full round of golf: Some patients may be able to play a full round, even without a cart, by the 3-6 months
Exercising
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0-4 weeks: Focus on gentle exercises to regain movement and prevent blood clots
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4-12 weeks: Transition to moderate activities like walking and cycling
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3-6 months: Begin low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking on flat surfaces
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6-12 months: Start moderate-impact exercises like elliptical training, golfing, and light jogging
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12+ months: High-impact activities are generally discouraged, but consult with your surgeon for personalized recommendations
It's important to note that these timelines are general guidelines, and individual recovery can vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new activities or exercises after knee replacement surgery.
Medications
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Celecoxib
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Aspirin 81 mg twice a day
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Steroids
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Neurontin
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Tylenol
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
Remember, you're not alone. If you have any questions or need additional support, please don't hesitate to contact our office at (571) 416-8244. We're here to assist you
You might have questions about your recovery process. For instance, 'When can I drive again?' or 'How do I manage swelling?' Our FAQ section provides answers to these common concerns.