Overview
The modern world brings innovative solutions to diverse health problems. Knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty has become a preferred solution for individuals with knee degeneration and arthritis.
While the procedure helps restore movement, allowing people to return to an active lifestyle – doing what they like, many patients may still have questions regarding what to expect during their hospital stay.
Hospital stay for most patients undergoing TKR (Total Knee Replacement) at Sohana Hospital, Mohali, is generally 3-5 days.
In this blog, we are going to answer the questions you may have about your hospital stay – “How would I feel immediately after surgery? How much pain will I have? When will I start walking?”
With this understanding, you will be able to walk into the operation theatre feeling confident and relaxed.
Day 1 (The Surgery Day)
1. Before the Procedure
After you get admitted to the hospital, some medical tests are done. These include blood tests, chest X-ray, ECG, etc. Following this, your anaesthesia specialist will explain to you whether the operation will be done under general anaesthesia or regional (spinal) anaesthesia.
You will be awake but won’t experience any pain.
2. Inside the OT
As anaesthesia works, your legs start feeling numb and heavy. You no longer have any sensations in your legs. TKR typically takes around 1.5 – 2 hours.
Despite being awake, you don’t feel any pain when the surgery is being performed. The robotic technology is described as “almost painless” by patients.
Sohana Hospital’s world-class operation theatres are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Not only are they infection-free, but they are also equipped to take care of other aspects, such as your vital statistics, like pulse, BP, and oxygen, which constantly appear on a screen for monitoring.
Advanced robotic knee replacement technology and premium implants at Sohana Hospital, along with the orthopaedic team’s expertise, ensure highly successful outcomes.
3. Shifting to the Recovery Room
After the operation, you are moved to the recovery room for 1 – 2 hours. Here you stay under constant monitoring, and your vital signs are continuously checked.
Your legs may still feel numb as the effect of anaesthesia slowly wears away. Movement slowly returns in a few hours. During all this time, you are alert and aware of what’s happening around.
At this stage, you get pain medicine through IV (intravenous – a tube which is inserted into a vein in your arm) to ensure that you do not feel any discomfort. You also get fluids through the IV till you can eat and drink on your own. You will slowly resume a normal diet.
Day 1 (Evening)
Within a few hours after surgery, you slowly start feeling sensation in your legs. It may be accompanied by slight tingling or heaviness, which is normal.
Expert physiotherapists come to you to begin gentle exercises. The aim is to:
- Improve blood flow
- Strengthen your thigh muscles
- Prevent clotting of blood
- Accelerate recovery
You continue to get fluids and antibiotics through IV (intravenous). Pain is managed with a blend of oral and IV painkillers. Most patients at Sohana Hospital describe their pain as easily manageable.
Day 2: You Start Walking
1. Walking in 24 Hours
Within 24 hours of their surgery, most patients can stand up and walk using a walker and with help from trained physiotherapists.
This marks a significant milestone in your knee replacement recovery!
Some patients may experience a little dizziness or may not be able to walk steadily. But it is normal, since you have had surgery just the previous day. Guidance and support from our friendly physiotherapists helps build your confidence.
It also means that you do not have to stay bedridden for even 1 whole day. You start going to the washroom, with assistance – soon after the operation.
Don’t worry if you feel a bit dizzy or unsteady; this is expected after a major operation. The hospital staff will be by your side to guide and support you safely.
2. Dedicated Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is what speeds up recovery. That is why we focus on structured rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists will assist you in performing physical therapy exercises at least 3-4 times a day.
- Slow bending and straightening of the knee
- Strengthening the thigh and calf muscles
- Walking inside the room using a walker
- Learning to get up safely on your own
*Note: Progress may vary from patient to patient. Some may start walking sooner, while others may start walking after a few days. It primarily depends on a patient’s age, weight, and overall health.
3. Constant Monitoring & Pain Management
During this time, your vital parameters, such as pulse, BP, body temperature, oxygen level, etc., are regularly checked. To ascertain that your HB is stable, blood tests may also be done.
Proper care is taken to ensure pain is manageable. If your pain increases when you walk, your medicines may be adjusted. Alternatively, you may be given nerve-block injections for pain relief.
Day 3-5: Wound Care & Recovery
1. Dressing of the Wound
On your 3rd day (or sometimes 2nd day) in the hospital, your doctor may check or change your surgical dressing. The purpose is to rule out infection. They apply a fresh dressing.
In most hospitals, waterproof dressings are used. This allows you to take a bath after some days.
*Note: You should try to keep your operated leg straight when you rest.
2. Physiotherapy Sessions
The focus is on making you as independent as possible. For this, physiotherapy is essential. So, you continue with multiple physiotherapy sessions as long as you are in the hospital.
Slowly, you start walking on your own, going to the washroom, and taking walks in the corridor. Physiotherapists remain by your side, in case you need any assistance, throughout your stay at the hospital.
3. On the Road to Recovery
By the time patients get ready to be discharged from the hospital, most can:
- Move in and out of bed without help.
- Sit and stand up from a chair unaided.
- Go to the washroom and return safely on their own.
- Bend their knees to almost 90° (at right angle).
- Walk on a level surface using a walker, without help from anybody.
- Climb up and down stairs with help from someone.
- Perform physiotherapy exercises without help.
- Learn to do routine activities safely and independently.
Some patients may extend their hospital stay if they wish. International patients at Sohana Hospital stay for extra days to get physiotherapy from trained experts for a longer time, build strength, and recover better before they fly back to their country.
Points to be Noted
- Physiotherapy is absolutely essential after knee surgery. Dedicated physiotherapy will speed up your recovery.
- PKR (Partial knee replacement) patients typically recover faster than TKR (Total knee replacement) patients.
- Recovery is faster with advanced techniques like robotic knee replacement as compared to conventional knee replacement.
- Most patients at Sohana Hospital make significant recovery in 30-45 days and return to performing routine activities, household work, going for 2-3 km morning walks, attending functions, etc.
- However, recovery may vary from patient to patient. Older patients with other health issues, like heart problems or obesity, may take longer to recover.
- You must stick to your doctor’s and physiotherapist’s advice on knee care to make a faster return to an active life.
Essential Recovery Tips
- Stick to your physiotherapy routine.
- Keep your wound dry and clean.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium.
- Drink enough water.
- Take prescribed medicines on time.
- Walk with the support of a walker for a week.
- Try switching to a stick (cane) in 7 days.
- Try walking without aid in 15 days.
- Walk inside your room for 3-4 days, then inside your house, and finally outside.
- After every hour, walk around for 5 minutes to prevent blood clots
- Wait for 4-6 weeks before you start driving again if you undergo TKR, or 3 weeks if you had PKR. Get your doctor’s approval for the same.
- Avoid tasks that require heavy lifting or moving anything for the first 3 months.
FAQs
How painful is knee replacement surgery?
Modern knee replacement surgery utilises sophisticated anaesthesia and pain-management protocols that make the surgery virtually painless. Patients are prescribed appropriate oral and IV painkillers.
Can I move my leg after surgery?
Yes. Movement slowly returns within a few hours. Physiotherapists start gentle exercises the same day.
When can I start walking?
Most patients start walking within 24 hours of their surgery – using a walker and with help from expert physiotherapists. Early walking helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery.
What if I feel weak or dizzy when I try to stand?
It’s normal after any surgery. Our physiotherapists will be there to support you and ensure your safety.
How long does the effect of anaesthesia last?
Spinal anaesthesia typically lasts for 3-4 hours.
When is the bandage removed?
It is often changed on Day 2 or 3 after surgery. You may still have to keep it for a few more days, depending on how fast your wound heals. Modern waterproof dressings are easier to manage at home.
When can I take a bath?
Most patients can bathe after 3 days once you get a waterproof bandage, and as advised by your doctor.
Will I need blood during surgery?
With modern robotic knee replacement technology, there is minimal blood loss. So, most patients do not usually need blood.
Can I get both knees replaced together?
Yes. If you have good general health, with no heart or lung issues, you can talk to your doctor about it. Otherwise, you can get one knee replaced at a time.
How long do I have to use the walker?
Patients at Sohana Hospital typically use a walker for 1 week. After this, they switch to a stick, and within a month, most start walking without support.
When can I start climbing stairs again?
Generally, patients start climbing stairs with help from physiotherapists within 3–4 days of their surgery, and within a month, most can do it independently.
When can I drive again?
In 6 weeks after surgery, you are likely to have made significant recovery. Around this time, you can start driving.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern knee implants often last 15–20 years or more, depending on your weight, activity level, and care.