How long does a total knee replacement procedure take?

Total knee replacement
The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours: Your surgeon makes a cut down the front of your knee to expose your kneecap. This is then moved to the side so the surgeon can get to the knee joint behind it.


How painful is a total knee replacement?

Will I have severe pain after knee replacement surgery? Pain is to be expected after the initial knee replacement, but it should not be severe. The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level.

How long do you stay in the hospital for a total knee replacement?

Going home. You'll usually be in hospital for around 2 to 3 days , depending on what progress you make and what type of knee replacement you have. Patients who have a partial knee replacement usually have a shorter hospital stay. In some hospitals you may be able to go home on the same day.

Is total knee replacement surgery considered major surgery?

A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not reduced pain or improved mobility. You may be offered knee replacement surgery if: you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee joint and your mobility is reduced.

How long does it take to walk after knee replacement?

Usually, about three weeks after the surgery, you'll be able to walk without crutches for about 10 minutes. Your physical therapist will push you to add more to your regimen. Generally, it takes about a year for everything to settle, the knee to regain its strength, and all normal activities to become possible again.

How long is the recovery from knee replacement surgery? - Ask Saint Peter's



What you Cannot do after knee replacement?

After your surgery, avoid stools, sofas, soft chairs, rocking chairs, and chairs that are too low. When getting up from a chair, slide toward the edge of the chair, and use the arms of the chair, your walker, or crutches for support to get up.

What do you wish you knew before knee replacement?

The pain is intense

While a knee replacement is a common procedure, it's still a major trauma to the knee region and recovery can unfortunately not only be slow, but also painful.

Does arthritis go away after knee replacement?

Unfortunately, knee replacement surgery does not cure arthritis. Although it can correct the damage caused by arthritis and relieve the pain associated with the condition, it cannot make the arthritis go away.

When is the best time of year to have a knee replacement?

Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.

What is the most commonly reported problem after knee replacement surgery?

Knee Stiffness

One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement is a stiff knee joint. Often these symptoms can cause difficulty with normal activities including going down stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of a car.

Do they put a catheter in during knee surgery?

The knee will be well bandaged and leg will be propped up or elevated. The patient may have a urinary catheter, a drain at the incision site, and an IV delivering fluids. The catheter, if present, is often removed in the first few hours. The incision drain and IV may remain for the duration of the hospital stay.

Can I stay alone after total knee replacement?

Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.

What happens first week after knee replacement?

The first few weeks after knee replacement surgery your physical therapist will focus on helping you reduce pain and feel more confident on your feet. You'll start working on a daily routine of strengthening and flexibility exercises with your physical therapist.

What is the best painkiller after a knee replacement?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a great option for non-narcotic pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Can you climb stairs after knee replacement?

Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

5 Tips to Speed Up Recovery After Knee Surgery
  1. Follow All Physician Recommendations. You should always heed all of your surgeon's instructions and advice. ...
  2. Walk Frequently Once You're Allowed. ...
  3. Eat Healthy Foods. ...
  4. Get Plenty of Sleep. ...
  5. Do Physical and Occupational Therapy Exercises.


When can you drive after knee replacement?

Generally, most patients may be able to get back to driving between 2–6 weeks after surgery, and your surgeon would be in the best position to give you a more specific time based on an assessment of how well you are recovering. Dr.

What percentage of knee replacements are successful?

Surgeons have performed knee replacements for over three decades generally with excellent results; most reports have ten-year success rates in excess of 90 percent.

Do you need a knee replacement if you are bone on bone?

Bone-on-Bone Arthritis

Before considering knee replacement, the patient should have X-rays that show bone touching bone somewhere in the knee. Patients who have thinning of the cartilage but not bone touching bone should not undergo knee replacement surgery, except in rare circumstances.

Is Climbing stairs good for arthritic knees?

And when knee arthritis or a torn knee ligament strikes, climbing stairs, walking, and even standing can be painful. Strengthening the knee is one way to prevent knee trouble and deal with a knee condition you already have. One exercise that's simple to do is stair climbing.

What can be done for a knee that is bone on bone?

How do I treat bone on bone knee pain? Treatments for bone on bone knee pain range from conservative treatments, such as exercise and bracing, to painkillers, and knee replacement surgery. Typically, multiple treatments are combined to treat bone on bone knee pain.

Is walking good for bone on bone knees?

You may worry that a walk will put extra pressure on your joints and make the pain worse. But it has the opposite effect. Walking sends more blood and nutrients to your knee joints. This helps them feel better.

Will I need a wheelchair after knee replacement?

For a joint replacement to succeed, patients need at least 3-4 months of a successful recovery. In the first few days after surgery, mobility is difficult without help, but not all patients need a wheelchair. Based on the procedure, patients can walk immediately for short distances with a cane or walker.

What do you need at home after knee surgery?

A cane, crutches, or a walker. A reacher to help you pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, and take off your socks. A sock aid to help you put on your socks. Handle bars in the bathroom to allow you to steady yourself.

How do you mentally prepare for a knee replacement?

3 Ways to Mentally Prepare Yourself for Knee Surgery
  1. Educate Yourself. The last thing you want to do is go into your surgery blind. ...
  2. Make Plans. ...
  3. Stay Positive. ...
  4. Stress-Free Surgery With the Knee Surgeon San Antonio Patients Trust. ...
  5. Get Started Today.