Mobility and Support
- Crutches/Walker Usage: You may use crutches or a walker immediately after surgery for support and balance. Weight bearing is allowed as tolerated right after surgery.
- Knee Flexibility: You are allowed to bend your knee joint as tolerated.
Icing and Elevation
- Procedure: Apply ice intermittently and elevate the joint for 30 minutes every 3 hours during the first few days to help prevent swelling and pain. Make sure the affected heel is higher than the shoulder or chest.
Preventing Complications
- Activity Recommendations: Engage in light activities such as sitting up, standing, and short walks regularly. Avoid strenuous activities to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms.
Dressing Care
- Initial Care: The knee will be covered with 2 or 3 layers of dressings.
- Dressing Removal: Remove the waterproof Silverr Mepilex dressings one week post-surgery without replacement.
- No Stitches/Staples: There are no stitches or staples requiring removal. The skin glue or Steri-Strips will resolve or fall off on their own.
Postoperative Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy: It is recommended to start formal physical therapy and a home exercise program within 5-7 days after surgery. Follow the physical therapy program based on the Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard guidelines.
Pain Medication Regimen
- Tylenol: 1 gram (two 500 mg tabs) every 8 hours starting immediately after surgery.
- Naprosyn: 500 mg twice daily starting immediately after surgery.
- Aspirin: 81 mg twice daily starting the evening after surgery.
- Oxycodone: As needed for residual pain or discomfort every 4-8 hours. Wean off by taking half tabs every 8-12 hours after the first week and one tab 1 hour before physical therapy appointments.
Q: How soon can I start using a walker or crutches after a knee replacement?
A: You may use crutches or a walker for support immediately after surgery, and you are encouraged to bear weight as tolerated.
Q: What is the recommended procedure for cold water therapy post-surgery?
A: Instead of traditional icing, we recommend using a cold water therapy system to manage swelling and pain after knee replacement surgery. This system circulates cold water around the knee, providing more consistent cooling. Begin using it immediately after surgery and continue for 30 minutes every 3 hours during the first few days to maximize relief and recovery.
Q: What is the recommended procedure for elevation post-surgery?
A: Elevate the knee for 30 minutes every 3 hours during the first few days to reduce swelling and pain.
Q: When should I start physical therapy after knee replacement surgery?A: It is advisable to begin formal physical therapy and home exercises within 5-7 days post-surgery to aid in recovery.
Q: When can I remove the surgical dressings?A: Waterproof dressings should be removed one week post-surgery, and there are no stitches or staples that need removal.