Recovering from total knee replacement surgery normally involves a short hospital stay, followed by a rehabilitation period that can be divided into short-term recovery and long-term recovery. Many factors will affect your individual experience after knee replacement, including overall physical fitness and willingness to adhere to a rehabilitation protocol. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most patients are able to use their new knee well enough to resume driving about four to six weeks after surgery.
Hospital Stay
After an approximate two-hour surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room to monitor your vitals as you recover from anesthesia. Approximately two hours later, when you are fully awake, you will be moved to your regular hospital room. Almost immediately, you will be required to move your knee to insure proper circulation and to prevent swelling and blood clots. After about three days, you will be released from the hospital with a walker or crutches.
Short-term Recovery
The initial stages of recovery involve regaining mobility, walking without crutches and weaning yourself off pain medication. This process will take an average of six to 12 weeks. During your first few days at home, you will gradually increase your walking time and return to normal activities, such as climbing stairs and doing laundry. Home exercises to strengthen your knee will be provided by a physical therapist; these exercises should be done daily. You can also expect to work with a physical therapist on an outpatient basis for several weeks.
Long-term Recovery
For complete recovery from a total knee replacement, the average time is three to six months. When the internal soft tissue is completely healed, and you can return to work and normal daily activities, you are considered to be fully recovered from your surgery. Recovery time is vastly different for each individual and depends upon your diligence in following your post-operative instructions, keeping a positive mental attitude and compliance with physical therapy recommendations.
Expert Advice
Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Homesley, emphasizes the importance of staying on top of the pain during the first six weeks in order to perform your range-of-motion physical therapy exercises. "Patients who fall behind on their pain medication and avoid exercising the knee because it is too painful, risk the onset of knee stiffness, which can greatly damper his or her progress," states Dr. Homesley. For the most effective and shortest recovery time, strictly follow the instructions of your surgeon and physical therapist.
