How to Recover From Knee Surgery

It often takes longer to recover from arthroscopic outpatient knee surgery than it does to recover from a full knee replacement done under general anesthesia. In both procedures, however, the speed with which you recover will be largely dependent upon how well you follow instructions and how much initiative you take in your healing process.

Instructions

Recover From Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

• 1

  Expect the operation to last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

• 2

  Know that you will spend 1 to 4 hours in the recovery room.

• 3

  Arrange to have someone take you home. Attempting to walk to transportation or to drive yourself can immediately set back your recovery.

• 4

  Keep your leg raised and on a pillow for several days after surgery.

• 5

  Use ice packs as directed by your doctor to avoid swelling and lessen pain.

• 6

  Finish completely any antibiotics your doctor may prescribe. Stopping an antibiotic regimen mid course allows infections to grow much stronger.

• 7

  Take showers with the spray directed away from your repaired knee. Do not take a tub bath or allow your incisions to become wet.

• 8

  Put weight on your leg as comfort allows and under the supervision of your doctor.

• 9

  Wean yourself from crutches, walkers and canes as soon as reasonably possible.

• 10

  Drive after 1 to 2 weeks with permission from your doctor.

• 11

  Return to work and moderate activity within 1 to 2 weeks, after your post operative check up and only with your doctor's approval.

• 12

  Use a walker or crutches for 2 to 4 weeks. You may walk with a cane for several weeks beyond that time.

Recover From Knee Replacement Surgery

• 13

  Understand the operation will take from 75 minutes to 2 hours.

• 14

  Expect to stay in recovery for several hours.

• 15

  Begin physical therapy the same day as surgery or the day after.

• 16

  Plan to go home on the third or fourth day following surgery.

• 17

  Consider convalescent care for 5 to 7 days after your hospital stay. This is especially wise if you live alone.

• 18

  Shower when you are steady on your feet. Do not put the spray right on the surgical area. Dressings and incisions should not become wet.

• 19

  Reduce heavy pain medication gradually but consistently. Follow through with all antibiotics.

• 20

  Return to driving in 3 to 6 weeks after your consultation with your doctor.

• 21

  Resume work and normal routines as you feel comfortable and with the consent of your health care team.