Knee Replacement Surgery & Recovery

During knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will resurface the damaged knee with artificial components. Depending on the extent of the knee joint damage, your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your knee replacement surgery:
• Total Knee Replacement: Replaces the entire knee joint with a prosthetic. Total replacement surgery is the more common procedure, as most patients have diffuse arthritis throughout the knee.
• Partial Knee Replacement: Involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint.
• Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery: In some cases, patients can return home the same day.

Most people require knee replacement surgery due to arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions. If non-surgical treatments like medications and physical therapy no longer provide relief, surgery may be necessary to restore mobility and relieve pain.

• The most common reason to undergo knee replacement surgery is degenerative osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear and causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. It is most common among adults, with an increasing incidence with older age.
• Other conditions can also lead to chronic degenerative changes in the knee, including a history of major trauma, inflammatory (autoimmune) arthritis, or certain genetic conditions.

While knee replacement surgery is very common, the treatment is most commonly recommended for:

• Severe knee pain and damage due to arthritis or injury.
• Discomfort, stiffness and swelling to the point where everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up are painful and difficult.
• Continued symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, or other surgical procedures.

Recovery after knee replacement surgery is a key part of your healing process. Here’s an overview of what to expect during your knee replacement recovery journey:

• Hospital Stay or Same-Day Discharge: Depending on your overall health, social support, and motivation, you may either be discharged the same day (outpatient surgery) or stay overnight for observation.
• Physical Therapy: This is essential for a successful recovery. Most patients start physical therapy at home within the first few days after surgery, followed by outpatient physical therapy for 4 to 8 weeks, though some may need less.
• Driving and Return to Work: Recovery timelines for driving and returning to work vary depending on your pain levels, functional progress, and job requirements. You’ll need to stop taking narcotic pain medications and ensure that you can safely and quickly brake in an emergency. Many patients are ready to drive between 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery.

A patient’s recovery experience is also dependent on his or her adherence to a recovery plan. The recovery plan for knee replacement surgery may include:

• Physical Therapy: Regular sessions to restore mobility, strength, and flexibility.
• Activity Modification: Limiting or modifying activities to avoid stress on the knee while it heals.
• Assistive Devices: Temporary use of a walker, cane, or crutches to aid mobility.
• Cold Therapy: Using ice packs, gel packs, or an ice machine to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Pain and Swelling Management: We use a multimodal approach to pain control that minimizes or eliminates the need for opioids. Some patients may experience a narcotic-free recovery.

By adhering to your recovery plan and staying proactive, you can optimize your healing and regain mobility, allowing you to return to the activities you enjoy.