Post-Surgery
Most patients who have a total knee replacement are in the hospital for two to four days.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the knee starts in the recovery room. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to move your leg for the first day or so. Your surgeon will have you stand up so that you can begin walking and moving around the day after surgery. This helps prevent blood clots. You’ll also receive antibiotics following surgery to prevent infection, and your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics any time you have dental work done to keep infection from settling in your new joint. The stitches will probably be removed approximately 10-14 days after your knee surgery.
In the hospital
Before leaving the hospital, a physical therapist will set some goals for you to do while in the hospital and afterwards at home. They include:
- Getting in and out of bed and going to the bathroom by yourself. (An elevated toilet seat will be of great help and will usually be of help at home also.)
- Walking with support of a walker or crutches.
- Bending your knee 90 degrees by yourself.
At home
Once at home, continue the exercises your physical therapist showed you at the hospital. You'll slowly be able to get up and down stairs and walk further distances.
Recovery
After recovery from total knee replacement surgery, most patients can resume most of their normal activities. To learn more about implant lifespan and precautions, click here.
If properly taken care of, a total artificial knee such as the ADVANCE® Medial Pivot Knee can last 15 years or more, after which revision surgery may be recommended.
To see if the ADVANCE® Medial Pivot Knee is the right option for your knee replacement surgery, locate a physician in your area with our Physician Locator.
