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After Surgery

• Talk to your doctor about what to do once you are home. He or she may suggest the following:
• If you will be using a walker or crutches, find out how much weight you should be putting on your new knee.
• You might tire more easily than usual. Plan rest periods throughout the day.
• Get in and out of chairs using both arms, and avoid low or overstuffed furniture. Use a cusion or pillow to keep your body raised while seated.
• Use an elevated toilet seat to reduce stress on your knees.
• Place a shelf in the shower at chest height, so you don't have to bend to retrieve items.
• Use a bathtub seat or bench while bathing for increased safety and comfort.
• A long-handled bath sponge may be used to reach the lower leg. Razor extendors are also available.
• Avoid sweeping, mopping, and running the vacuum cleaner. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting high and low items.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to get in and out of cars. Raising the height of the car seat with pillows will help protect your knee.
• Your doctor will talk with you about when you can drive. If you have a car with manual transmission, talk with your doctor about driving limitations. Make sure you can brake the car without discomfort before you attempt to drive in traffic.
• Constipation is a common problem for patients following surgery. This is usually due to your limited activity and any pain medications you may be taking. Discuss your diet with your doctor. It should include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as eight full glasses of liquid each day, unless you doctor tells you otherwise.
• You’ll probably get a prescription for pain medication. Please follow your doctor’s instructions concerning this medication.
• Some swelling around the incision is normal. Wear loose clothing to reduce pressure on the incision. Ask your doctor or other qualified health professional about appropriate wound care.
• Eat well-balanced meals. A healthy diet promotes healing.
• Keep your wound clean. Your bandage may be removed and replaced with a smaller bandage when you are discharged from the hospital. Change your bandage as recommended by your physician, usually once a day. Call your physician if you notice any signs of infection.

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1 week after surgery:

• Keep visitors to a minimum. This will give you an opportunity to rest and get comfortable in your home setting.
• Schedule a postoperative appointment. You should meet with your surgeon about two weeks after your surgery.

2–3 weeks after surgery:

• Go to your post-op appointment. Your blood pressure and temperature will be taken, and your surgeon will examine the surgery area to check for any signs of infection. Your stitches or staples will likely be removed as well. Your range of motion will be examined, and you will review your physical therapy instructions. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You will likely return for follow-up appointments at 3 months, 6 months, and one year after your surgery. You will probably return once a year thereafter.

4 weeks after surgery:

• If you drive, you may start driving again. You will need to talk with your physician, but normally, you can resume driving 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Make sure you can use the brake of the car without discomfort before you attempt to drive in traffic.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement

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