Total Knee Replacement – Post-op Instructions by Dr. Sandeep Chauhan
Guidelines after Total Knee Replacement surgery
Congratulations on your new Total Knee Replacement (TKR)! Dr. Sandeep Chauhan excited to guide you through your recovery as you begin to regain your active lifestyle. This document will attempt to help you through your recuperation with activity guidelines, as well as answer some of the most common questions that patients have after undergoing this procedure. By the time you have left the hospital, you should be able to get in-out of bed by yourself, walk with the walker or a cane, and go up to the washroom. Stair climbing is advised after a few weeks when you have gained strength and feel in the new knee. The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion. The aim is to achieve the range of motion gradually in the first few weeks before fibrosis sets in and muscle strength can be achieved over the next few months. A physical therapist will help you with the walking, knee exercises, and gentle manipulation of the knee. Usually, we advise patients to do small but repeated sessions of exercises throughout the day so that the pain and swelling are at the lowest. The therapist will l come to your residence if you have difficulty in doing these exercises. Most patients will continue to need the cane for walking until I see you in the office at 6 weeks postoperative.
Walking: Dr. Sandeep Chauhan recommends that you walk as much as your feel comfortable (at least 2-3 times a day), trying to walk a little further each time. You may walk inside or outside as you feel comfortable. As stated above, you will need a walker or cane for stability for the first 6 weeks. When you begin to felt that you don’t need the cane anymore, you can begin to wean from the cane; that is, you can stop using it for short distances and walk progressively more without it. Motion: Knee motion is extremely important to work on during your recovery. Scar tissue begins to form immediately after surgery, and if the knee doesn’t regain its motion within a set amount of time, it will continue to be stiff. You must work on both extension (straightening) and flexion (bending) of the knee. Pain control: It is typical to need pain medicine regularly during your recovery from TKR. Typically, powerful medications like, Voveran piroxicam or tramadol are used initially. Once you get home and further out from surgery, you may try to wean from the pain medication, as there are many side effects of taking these. I suggest that you try decreasing the amount of pain medication or increasing the interval between doses in order to wean from the medication during the day. You may have to try different methods to see what works best for you. Most patients will continue to need to take pain medication prior to physical therapy sessions for 8 to 12 weeks postop. Swelling: Your knee will be swollen for several months following TKR. I advise using ice packs regularly during your recovery. In the first few weeks, you will probably need to ice your knee 3-4 times per day; after about 1 month, it may be only at night; after 2 months, it may only be after physical therapy sessions. As the healing progresses and your knee gets stronger, your swelling will diminish. Medications: You need to continue taking the prescribed blood thinner until I see you in the office again. This is to prevent the development of blood clots. Exercises: Throughout the day, perform 5 sets of 10 reps: Book An Appointment:Maitri Medicare
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
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