subject: Samitivejhospitals: Post Operative Care After Total Knee Replacement Surgery [print this page] Any kind of surgery requires a period of recuperation and healing, and a total knee replacement is no different. After your knee replacement, the muscles and tendons around the knee are going to be sore, sensitive, and weak. It is important to follow all instructions sent home with you after your total knee replacement surgery. This will include specialized exercises to strengthen the muscles and promote flexibility in the joint, a regimen of ice therapy, and specific ways to sit, stand, lie, and rest.
Immediately after your total knee replacement, you will probably experience swelling and discomfort, which can last up to 6 months following the surgery. Applying ice to the affected knee will help reduce discomfort and swelling. This should be done 3 or more times a day as needed for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time. After exercising, walking and other movement, ice is highly recommended and should be used at least 3 times daily for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Apply the ice pack to a straightened knee while lying down. The foot of the affected knee should be slightly elevated on something like a rolled up towel.
The movements and positions you assume while sleeping are completely subconscious, but try to keep the surgery affected knee straight while lying down or sleeping. It may help to keep a rolled towel under the foot of the affected leg. Do not place anything under the knee to force it into a bent position. Instead keep the knee as straight as possible.
Sitting for long periods of time may cause additional discomfort and swelling, and sitting is not recommended for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. If the patient must sit for longer than 45 minutes at a time, be sure to take frequent breaks and walk around to move and stretch the knee.
Infections are a concern after any surgery and for total knee replacement can happen up to a year later. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Long periods of fever
Redness and pain from the wound
Discharge from the wound
Intense pain in the knee.
During your recovery, your doctors and physical therapists will be giving you various exercises. These exercises are designed to build strength and increase flexibility in the joint. These exercises may include, but are certainly not limited to: ankle pumps, heel slides, leg raises, side lying abduction (leg lifts), sitting knee extensions, and standing exercises. Please follow all directions given completely and accurately.
Another part of your recovery may include the use of physical aids such as crutches or a walker. Once again, following the directions you are given is very important, since physical injury is possible if you do not abide by them. If you have any questions about the surgery, your recovery, or the aids you may need to use, please ask your doctor.
