Recovering From Knee Surgery

There are two types of orthopaedic knee surgery. Arthroscopic knee surgery removes pieces of the joint or bone that may have chipped off due to a sports or work-related injury. This type of surgery also resurfaces rough or damaged bone by scoping the surface. The recovery time is minimal, depending on the extent of the joint scoping.

Partial and full knee replacement surgery is more invasive because it is the replacement of a knee joint damaged by degeneration, arthritis, bone disease, or other factors. It requires extensive surgery, longer recovery time, and physical therapy for several months after surgery.

Following Surgery

• While recovering in the hospital after surgery, the following routine may be implemented, depending on your doctor's orders:

  * You will be given blood thinners and asked to wear compression boots to protect against clotting and swelling.

  * You will be encouraged to stand up and walk around with a walker or crutches the day after surgery. You will need these items for at least six weeks during recovery.

  * You may be using a continuous passive movement machine while in bed that slowly moves the knee and helps to regain joint movement.

  * You will learn how to get out of bed, use the bathroom, and get dressed while dealing with a post-surgery knee.

  * There may be several short sessions of physical therapy exercises each day, including deep-breathing exercises to prevent congestion in your lungs.

Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation that begins in the hospital setting will continue with physical therapy in an office environment after you've returned home. As therapy continues, you will be given more exercises to strengthen the knee while it heals.

  After you are fully recovered, particularly after partial or total knee replacement, there may be restrictions on your physical activities that your doctor will explain on follow-up visits.