Think about the basic everyday tasks you need to do and consider how you would manage if you were unable to bend your knee eg. getting in and out of a chair or even going to the toilet. And don't forget you won't be able to drive for a while. Try to put your pride aside and make sure you have help on hand.
The downside of knee replacement is that a small number of patients may experience surgical complications, including infection, blood clots, heart or lung risks, which in a small number of patients can be fatal.
The first two to three weeks post-op is generally the time patients feel most discouraged due to the pain. It's hard to get up from a chair, it's difficult going up and down stairs, you're moving slowly and you have to use a walker because you have no strength or balance.
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Research suggests that up to one-third of those who have knees replaced continue to experience chronic pain, while 1 in 5 are dissatisfied with the results.
Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
Avoid high-impact activities that could dislodge the new knee prosthesis, such as running or jogging, until your orthopedic doctor gives you the go-ahead. Take it easy first, and gradually increase your activity level as you feel more comfortable. Don't push yourself too hard, as this could cause damage to your joint.
That said, knee replacement surgery involves very few long-term limitations for patients. Besides high-impact sports, long-distance running and some work-specific activities, you should be able to resume your life with the freedom to participate in a broad range of activities after knee replacement surgery.
Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.
Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.
The 0.3% regret rate of our newest study is much smaller compared to other, common yet serious surgeries. Interestingly, knee replacement surgery has a dissatisfactory rate of 6-30%. The rate is up to 100 times that of gender-affirming surgery.
Knee surgery may temporarily relieve pain from arthritis, but it does not cure the condition. Managing your arthritis will still be necessary to reduce pain in the knees, even after joint surgery.
The metal-on-plastic combination is the most commonly used material for knee implants. A closer look reveals that cobalt-chromium is the most frequently used metal. This is because it's biocompatible and is very durable. In terms of plastics used, Polyethylene is preferred over other options.
Orthopedics. Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.
Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell knee therapy is becoming a popular alternative to knee replacement surgery. Through a method known as autologous transplantation, the cells are extracted from the patient's bone marrow or fatty tissue, processed, and immediately injected into the damaged knee.
Two studies that used the PJP on total knee replacement patients found that only 32-39% of patients perceived their new knee to be like a natural joint; however, over half of the participants reported that their new knee felt either like a natural joint or an artificial joint with no restriction.
Pain is to be expected after the initial knee replacement, but it should not be severe. The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level.
You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.
You're not alone. Having an orthopedic surgery can leave you feeling tired for weeks or months after the procedure. Here's a list of 7 main causes of fatigue after surgery: surgical stress, blood loss, medications, pain after surgery, energy of healing, dietary changes, and sleep disturbance.
One of the best ways to sleep after knee replacement surgery is on your back. The sleeping position makes it easy to keep the leg straight, which helps proper blood flow.
The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion. We will send a physical therapist to your house to help you with the walking, knee exercises, and gentle manipulation of the knee.
Sleep on Your Back
The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back.