As knee replacement techniques have improved, the recovery time for a total knee replacement has decreased from a year to a few weeks. You can start walking independently within the first week of the procedure, begin driving and swimming within a month, and resume normal activities within a quarter.
No matter what your age is, the healing has become much easier, smoother, and, most importantly pain-free. So, are you ready to start a new chapter in your life that is free of knee arthritis pain? If so, this blog is for you where we will discuss what the recovery process of a knee replacement looks like and what you can do week-wise.
The magic behind quick recovery
Before discussing the recovery, let’s know the hero, which is driving such great results. It is the type of incision. Most surgeons commonly use a parapatellar incision for this surgery because it technically provides good exposure to the knee joint. However, it requires cutting through the largest muscle of the thigh, i.e., the quadriceps muscle to reach the knee joint.
The quadriceps muscle is the group of four muscles in the front of the thigh. They allow you to squat, run, walk, stand, and jump. Though the cut muscle heals with time, its strength will never be the same. As a result, patients undergoing conventional surgical techniques will likely take longer to take their first walk and complete healing.
Contrarily, a novel technique called the Subvastus Approach has decreased this healing period because it preserves the quadriceps muscle.
Parapatellar Approach
Subvastus Approach
Look at the above images, the above image is of a parapatellar knee incision wherein the quadriceps muscle is detached from the quadriceps tendon. The below image is of the subvastus knee incision wherein the quadriceps muscle is not detached from the quadriceps tendon.
Instead, the quadriceps muscle is gently lifted and slid to access the knee joint. Post-surgery, the muscle is again fixed into its original position. That’s why we call it “Excusing the Muscle Approach” or “Muscle-Sparing Surgery”.
This keeps the natural strength and flexibility of the quadriceps muscle, allowing the patient to regain mobility faster with the least pain compared to a parapatellar incision. But it’s not the only hero; the real success lies in the hands and skills of the surgeon. So, choose your surgeon wisely. You can get a second opinion from our experts.
Week-wise recovery after knee replacement
Week 1 to 3
As the quadriceps muscle is preserved during the procedure, you will be able to raise your leg immediately after the procedure. After six hours, you will be encouraged to walk to get your strength back with the help of assistive devices, such as a walker or crutches.
On day 2, you will be switched to oral pain medications and will probably be advised to eat regular foods. You will start feeling better than the previous day and can take bigger and more motivated steps.
By the third day, the incision usually heals and you will get a green signal to take a shower with a waterproof dressing. While bathing, hold the side railings to avoid slipping.
The good news is if you had a unilateral knee replacement (One knee is replaced), you will be discharged on the third day. For bilateral knee replacement (Both knees are replaced), the hospitalisation period is generally five days.
After discharge, you will get a better range of motion. Simultaneously, you will be recommended for physiotherapy to restore your strength and unlock your complete range of motion.
After a week, you can expect to walk without support and climb the stairs. Walking is an important part of recovery. So, try to walk every couple of hours. By the third week, you will be feeling less pain and more comfortable in physiotherapy sessions.
Weeks 4 to 6
By this time, your stitches and staples will be removed. You will be able to take a shower without dressing. The range of motion will improve and you will be able to bend your knees more easily.
You will be able to start driving, swimming and resume your office or normal activities. Discuss with your doctor whether you can begin high-impact activities like tennis or jogging.
Weeks 7 to 12
You will feel completely normal. The range of motion will be near 100% in your knees. You will be able to gradually resume normal activities and do more challenging tasks independently.
Takeaway!
Knee replacement is a life-modifying surgery that can provide relief from arthritis pain and give you another chance to live life to the fullest. The recovery starts on the same day of the surgery.
You will see gradual improvements and feel more motivated every day as your steps get bigger and more motivated. All you need is to stick to your rehabilitation regimen as a ritual, and you will be all set after a few weeks to get back to your normal activities.