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> Post surgery
After a knee replacement surgery
- You will stand up the first day after the surgery with the assistance of a Kinesiotherapist.
- The re-education protocole is determined by the surgeon and performed by the therapist.
- The walking and knee re-education will start Day 1 or Day 2 after the surgery
- The scar care are done every two days
- An anticoagulant treatment will be given on an everyday basis to limit the risks of phlebitis or pulmonar embolism
Protected weight bearing on crutches or a walker is required until the quadriceps muscle has healed and recovered its strength. Continuous Passive Motion or CPM is commonly used, but its effectiveness is questioned. Post operative hospitalization varies from one day to seven days on average depending on the health status of the patient and the amount of support available outside the hospital setting. Usually full range of motion is recovered over the first two weeks (the earlier the better). At 6 weeks patients have usually progressed to full weight bearing with a cane. Complete recovery from the surgery involving return to full normal function may take three months and some patients notice a gradual improvement lasting many months longer than that.
The results of your prosthesis depend on the quality of the re-education and in the heart you have put into it.
- The hospitalization will end between the 8th or 12th day depending on your health condition
- You may go home if you are assisted in your everyday tasks
- You may have to go a reeducation center for a few weeks but this is not mandatory
- You will see a therapist for a few weeks
- The stitches will be removed the 15th day and showers will be allowed
- You will have to use crutches for about a month
- The knee will recover a 80° range of motion after 8 days and ultimately the range of motion should reach 110° to 120°
- You won't be able to drive a vehicle before 6 to 8 weeks
- The practice of sport will not be allowed before 3 to 6 months
- You shall think of setting up your apartment consequently
- You will see your surgeon on a regular basis
- You will see your family physician on a regular basis as well
- You shall get checked for infection regularly and get a treatment if needed
Important : Do not hesitate to get in touch with your surgeon or physician if your knee is abnormally hot, swollen, red, painful, if the scar does not heal properly or if any of these symptoms comes along with fever.
