1. Straight From the OR
You should expect to spend 3 to 4 days recovering in the hospital following knee replacement surgery, but this amount of time could be shorter or longer depending on how quickly you make progress. The surgery, also called total knee arthroplasty, requires you to be under general anesthesia, which means you'll spend some time in a recovery room before being moved to your hospital room. While you're in the recovery room, you'll be monitored as you wake up to make sure you don't have any complications from the anesthesia. You'll also be given medication to manage your pain.
2. Recovery Risks
After your surgery, your doctor will likely start you on preventative treatments to lessen the risk of potential complications. Blood clots in the legs are the most common complication during recovery from knee replacement surgery. To prevent blood clots, your surgeon will likely prescribe an anticoagulant medication and recommend you move your legs frequently and keep them elevated. Support stockings also help prevent blood clots. Infections are a risk following any surgery. If you need dental work following surgery, you'll need to take antibiotics to prevent an infection caused by bacteria entering the blood stream.
3. Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is necessary to help get you back on your feet. You'll likely meet with a physical therapist the day following your surgery. Most knee replacement patients participate in at least one physical therapy session a day during their stay at the hospital. Some patients initially need to use a continuous passive motion machine, which bends and straightens the knee. Physical therapy will continue after you've been discharged from the hospital, although the number of times a week you need to attend will decrease as your rehabilitation progresses.
4. Good as New
Most knee replacement patients are back to their daily activities within 3 to 6 weeks. Being physically active throughout your recovery is extremely important. Avoiding using your leg will inhibit your overall mobility and prolong your rehabilitation. That being said, it's also important that you not overdo it. Overusing your injured leg can lead to falling and more surgery. Use your crutches as you begin your recovery and slowly decrease your dependence on them. You can expect to return to work in about 6 weeks, depending on how physically demanding your job is.
5. Frequency of Follow-Ups
You'll meet with your orthopedic surgeon several times in the year following your surgery. You'll likely be asked to schedule follow-up appointments at 3 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year after your surgery. After the first year, you'll meet with your surgeon once every 12 months.
