Revised joint replacement packages and pricing as per Govt NPPA implant pricing, effective 16th Aug 2017.

Post-Operative Care

In a small percentage of people, as with all major surgical procedures, knee replacement complications can occur.

Below is a list of Potential Knee Replacement Complications and steps you can take to prevent their occurrence.

Thrombophlebitis

This condition is also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it occurs when the large veins of the leg form blood clots and, in some instances, become lodged in the capillaries of the lung and cause a pulmonary embolism. The following steps may be taken to avoid knee replacement complications due to blood clots:

Blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) Elastic stockings (TED hose) Foot and ankle exercises to increase blood flow and enhance venous return in the lower leg.

IMPORTANT:

If you develop swelling, redness, pain and/or tenderness in the calf muscle, report these symptoms to your Orthopaedic Surgeon or internist immediately.

Infection

Although great precaution is taken before, during, and after surgery, infections do occur in a small percentage of patients following Knee Replacement Surgery. Steps you can take to minimize this Knee Replacement Complications include the following:

  • Monitor your incision closely and immediately report any redness, swelling, tenderness, increased drainage, foul odor, persistent fever above 100.4 degrees orally, and increasing pain.
  • Take your antibiotics as directed and complete the recommended dosage duration.
  • Strictly follow the incision care guidelines your surgeon recommends.
Pneumonia:

A simple analogy to illustrate proper deep breathing is to, “smell the roses and blow out the candles.” In other words, inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth at a slow and controlled rate. Incentive Spirometer: This simple device gives you visual feedback while you perform your deep breathing exercises. Your nurse or respiratory therapist will demonstrate proper technique.

  • Incentive Spirometer: This simple device gives you visual feedback while you perform your deep breathing exercises. Your nurse or respiratory therapist will demonstrate proper technique.
Knee Stiffness:

In some cases, the mobility of your knee following surgery may be significantly restricted and you may develop a contracture in the joint that will cause stiffness during walking or other activities of daily living. The following steps must be taken to maximize your range of motion following surgery:

  • Early physical therapy (Day 1 or 2) to begin range of motion exercises and walking program.
  • Edema control to reduce swelling (ice, compression stocking, and elevation).
  • Adequate pain control so you can tolerate the rehabilitation regime.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I need to stay in the hospital after knee surgery?

The length of the patient's stay after knee surgery depends on the type of knee surgery, its complexity, the overall health of the patient, and the success of the surgery. On average, most patients stay 1 to 5 days in the hospital after knee surgery. While a major knee surgery procedure like a total knee replacement may require a stay of up to 5 days, minimally invasive surgeries like arthroscopy often allow the patient to go home the same day.

However, it is important to remember that the complexity of the surgery, underlying medical conditions, pain control, and the patient’s tolerance of activity are crucial factors. A patient is sent home only after they can perform regular activities and can walk, at least with assistance.

What medications will I need to take after knee surgery?

After surgery, medications play a major role in pain management, recovery, and the prevention of complications. In general, medications after knee surgery involve:

  1. Pain Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription medications to alleviate pain, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation.
  2. Blood Clot Prevention Medications: Aspirin and blood thinners may be used to reduce the risk of blood clot formation and thin the blood.
  3. Specific Medications Based on Patient Health: These medications include:
    • Antibiotics: To address nausea or vomiting.
    • Muscle Relaxants: To ease muscle tension and spasms.
    • Antibiotics: To prevent infection.
When can I start physical therapy after knee surgery?

In almost all cases, physical therapy can start soon after surgery. Given that physical therapy is a spectrum, the physical therapist prescribes exercises and movement patterns based on the timeline after surgery.

Immediately after surgery, the goal of physical therapy is to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. Therefore, physical therapy immediately after surgery involves basic practice movements like walking with assistance.

After 2-3 weeks of initial basic movements, the therapy will gradually focus on regaining the range of motion in the knee and strengthening the muscles around the joint. At this point, the patient will gain enough strength to comfortably perform basic movements in everyday life.

As the patient progresses and enters the 4th week (on average), strengthening exercises along with low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are introduced.

How long does it take to fully recover from knee surgery?

Knee surgery is a major procedure that takes time to recover and provide results. The exact recovery period varies based on the specific type of knee surgery, the patient's age and current health, and the complexity of the surgery. In general, the recovery for knee surgeries tends to be as follows:

Surgery Type Recovery Time
Total Knee Replacement Up to 1 year
Arthroscopy Weeks
Partial Knee Replacement 4-6 months
Meniscus Repair 4-6 weeks, up to 3 months for sports
Osteotomy 1-2 days
What activities should I avoid during the recovery period?

The recovery period is a sensitive time when the knee undergoes repair and healing. Until the patient reaches full and complete recovery, it's strictly advised to avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, and sports such as basketball, soccer, and football. This is true even if the patient feels healthy and normal.

In addition to this, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting exercises like squats and lunges, as well as other activities that may strain the knee further (such as climbing stairs excessively). Activities that involve sudden movements and twisting should also be avoided.