How many hours is a full knee replacement surgery?

In a total knee replacement, both sides of your knee joint are replaced. 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 long is a hospital stay after knee replacement surgery?

You will stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after having hip or knee joint replacement surgery. During that time you will recover from your anesthesia and the surgery.

How soon can I go home after knee replacement?

Typically, knee replacement patients are able to leave the hospital within 1 to 5 days (often 2 or 3), and they can take care of themselves and resume most activities 6 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients are 90% recovered after 3 months, though it can take 6 months or longer before they are 100% recovered.

Can you go home the same day after knee replacement?

Though routine and common, a hospital stay may be required following the procedure. But with advances in surgical procedures, it's possible to go home the same day after your knee replacement surgery.

Do you stay overnight with a knee replacement?

Most patients having knee replacement don't need to stay in the hospital very long. Traditionally, patients stay in the hospital for one or two nights. During that time, they work with physical therapists and occupational therapists to ensure they can move around and perform basic day-to-day functions.

Watch the Full Hour-Long Knee Replacement Surgery with Nurse Holly

How long does it take to walk after a full knee replacement?

Fortunately, walking with an assisted device such as a walker, cane, or crutches will begin within 24 hours of surgery. If all goes well, patients are discharged home within 2-3 days after surgery. Physical therapy can be completed at an outpatient clinic or at home. Full rehabilitation will take approximately 8 weeks.

How painful is a total knee replacement?

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.

Do you have a catheter during knee replacement 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 you be alone after 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 is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

How do you sleep after a knee replacement?

The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back.

How long does it take to bend your knee after surgery?

One to three weeks after surgery

Typically, you'll be able to bend your knees at a 90 degree angle, fully straighten your knee, and walk for at least 10 consecutive minutes during this stage of physical therapy.

How do you shower after knee surgery?

You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.

What is the average age for knee replacement?

Research presented at the annual American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) meeting in 2018 showed a drop in the average age of patients undergoing hip-replacement surgery from over 66 to just under 65, and the average age for knee-replacement surgeries declining from 68 to just under 66 for the 2000 to 2014 time ...

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.

Is it OK to sleep in a recliner after knee replacement?

Prepare a recovery area

Designate a recovery area (usually the living room) with a sturdy chair to relax in. The chair should be high enough that it is easy to sit down and get up from. It should have arms and a solid back so you don't fall. A recliner is a good choice because you can elevate your legs.

Do you need someone to stay with you after surgery?

If you don't stay overnight, you will need someone to take you home because you won't be able to drive or take public transportation by yourself. It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia.

Which is worse hip or knee replacement?

A hip replacement is a much less painful operation. People are on crutches for a while, and then their hips feel normal. But it takes six months to a year to recover from total knee surgery, and even then, the knee just doesn't feel normal.

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).

Do you get pain medication after knee surgery?

Most people have knee replacement surgery under a general anesthetic. However, from the time they awaken, they will need pain relief and other types of medication to help them manage discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

What are the disadvantages of having a total knee replacement?

Why can't I sleep after total knee replacement?

As mentioned earlier, pain is one of the biggest contributing factors for patients who have trouble sleeping after their surgery. Oftentimes a patient will move in their sleep and be woken up by the pain they experience if they unknowingly move in a way their body shouldn't move.

Can you climb stairs after knee replacement?

For the first several weeks after TKR, you will likely go up/down stairs one foot at a time (non-reciprocally). The pattern to follow is: “Up with the good leg, Down with the bad (operated)”. As you get stronger, I encourage you to try to climb stairs alternating one foot per step; holding on to the banister will help.

What happens first week after knee replacement?

Within a week, your knee will technically be able to bend 90 degrees, though it may be difficult due to pain and swelling. After 7–10 days, you should be able to fully extend your knee out straight. Your knee may be strong enough that you're not carrying weight on your walker or crutches anymore.