Knee replacement has become one of the most successful procedures across the world. However, some people dealing with severe knee pain might still want to avoid surgery. One main reason is their doubts related to knee replacement recovery.
In this blog, we are going to answer the recovery questions most frequently asked by patients. And the answers come from the world-renowned knee expert, Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva, CEO and Chief Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, Sohana Hospital.
1. How long will my hospital stay be?
In most cases, the hospital stay is just 3-4 days. During this time, you get proper post-operative care at Sohana Hospital. A sincere team of physiotherapists helps you perform dedicated physiotherapy 3 to 4 times a day. We aim to make you independent in these 3-4 days.
2. When will I start going to the washroom?
Needless to say, a common concern among patients is – “Will I have to pass stools in the bed?” The short answer is NO. You don’t pass urine or stools in the bed. You are not bedridden even for a day. With help from our physiotherapists and using a walker, you start walking the same day or at most, the next day. Again, our focus is on your independence and self-reliance.
Discharged on the 4th day, you get a brochure with instructions for the next 10 days. It contains information about the 4-5 physiotherapy exercises you have to do at home. These exercises are also taught to you during your hospital stay.
3. Will I need to hire an attendant, helper, nurse, or maid at home?
No. You don’t need an attendant, helper, nurse, or maid. By the time you go home, you are independent enough to get out of bed on your own and walk to the washroom.
We recommend only a physiotherapist so that you can perform regular physiotherapy for at least 30-45 minutes daily. It is essential for dedicated knee rehab.
Can’t hire a physiotherapist? Don’t worry. We make sure you learn the necessary exercises during your stay at the hospital. We monitor your daily progress and recovery through your videos and WhatsApp. We are available 24/7 over the phone to guide you.
4. When are sutures checked?
We schedule your first follow-up 10 days after discharge from the hospital. We ask you to visit the hospital to get your stitches examined. Mostly, we do stitchless surgery. However, if you have any skin issues, we use electronic staples.
5. What is the next step?
You get an instruction leaflet. It contains all the necessary dos and don’ts after suture removal. For example, the activities you can do, the precautions to take, and the kind of walking aid to use – stick, walker, or brace.
Click for complete video: Knee Replacement Recovery Guide by Dr. Gagandeep S. Sachdeva
6. For how long will I need to use a walking aid?
After 10 days of discharge, most patients do not require a walking aid. In the beginning, it helps build confidence immediately after surgery. It helps prevent the risk of slipping due to giddiness or tripping by giving support.
We advise patients to use a walking aid for 10-15 days post their knee replacement surgery. The walking aid serves another purpose, also. Some patients may have an altered gait due to deformed knees (bowed knees or knock knees). So, post-surgery, gait gets back to normal as the knees straighten.
7. How much can I walk?
For the first few days post-op, you can walk inside your house premises. Gradually increase the distance. 10 days after surgery, you can start walking for 2-3 km. The key lies in getting regular physiotherapy.
8. When can I climb stairs?
You can start climbing stairs within a few days after surgery.
You may have other questions, such as – “How long to take medicines for? When can I start taking a bath?” Get answers to all your questions in the leaflet. It contains everything you need to know about what you can do and what you should not do for the next 1 month.
9. When is the next follow-up?
A follow-up is scheduled 1 month after the surgery. The purpose is to examine your operated knee, ensure everything is fine, and to assess patient satisfaction.
We also give you another booklet with post-op guidelines. You can sit cross-legged, run, go jogging, cycle, squat, climb stairs, and do everything like a normal, healthy person. You can do more than people your age, who haven’t had their knees replaced, can do.
The summary card from Sohana Hospital has all the information about medicines, activity instructions, etc. It is a very important document. Keep it carefully. Read it and follow the guidelines. And yes, you should always bring it when you come to the hospital.
10. Can I travel back home?
If you come from Jammu, Delhi, Amritsar, UP, or any other distant place, you can travel 200-300 km by your own car when you are discharged from the hospital.
Note: For driving, you should wait for 4-6 weeks and start driving after getting your doctor’s approval.
11. Do I need to go home by ambulance?
Go home by your own car. No need for ambulance service.
12. When can I fly back to my country after robotic knee replacement?
Within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, you are fit for everything. Join your job. Go back to your native country. Travel by air to Canada, the USA, and Australia.
13. Do we need to book a nearby hotel or make some alternative staying arrangements after getting discharged from the hospital?
It does not matter whether you came from UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal, or Jammu. You can travel back home on the same day as getting discharged from the hospital. Without any problem.
You do not need to arrange a ground-floor accommodation at a nearby place. Today, we have advanced robotic knee replacement technology. Gone are the days of old technology, excessive pain, and slow movement.
With the new advanced (robotic) technology and premium implants, the overall experience is much more comfortable now. You can start walking soon after surgery (typically the same day or the next day).
So, there’s no need to rent any accommodation nearby. Go to your own home. Do not worry, even if you don’t live on the ground floor.
14. I live on the first/second floor. How shall I go?
Climb stairs comfortably by holding the railing or with somebody’s support. Once you reach your home on the first/second floor, you can continue walking inside the house for a few days. And not go up/down the stairs. Continue dedicated rehab. Then, after some days, start climbing stairs.
15. I won’t be able to make it to the follow-up, I live quite far from Punjab, in another state or country.
Get on a video call and explain your recovery. We’ll assess and guide you accordingly regarding physiotherapy and medicines.
After the surgery, you can return home. Follow-ups are not mandatory. You can avoid visiting the hospital if you travelled from afar for the surgery. Our support team helps you online.
16. What if I have mild swelling or stiffness in my operated knee?
This is normal. When tissues heal, there is stiffness in the area. So, mild stiffness is a sign of healing. It heals on its own within 30-45 days. No need to be anxious about it. Alternatively, we give some medicines to patients to relieve the issue when they come for a follow-up.
17. Miscellaneous Questions
- When can I go on vacation?
- Do I need to wear a kneecap?
- Are any dietary changes needed?
- Any activity restrictions for the entire life?
1 month after your surgery, you can live an absolutely normal life, like any other normal individual of your age. Whatever they can eat, drink, or do, you can also do. There are examples of patients going back to their jobs in the police, as trainers, and in religious groups, where they need to stand for a long time, train people, and sit cross-legged.
Every patient has different requirements and a different lifestyle. There are no food or lifestyle & activity restrictions. Patients even climb up slopes after surgery.
But yes, it is important to mention here that nothing will happen automatically. You have to:
- Put in efforts
- Perform physiotherapy dedicatedly without missing even one session
- Strengthen your muscles
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Have strong willpower
Conclusion
Robotic knee replacement is a widely successful procedure that has been restoring pain-free mobility in innumerable people dealing with knee pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and knee injuries. You do not have to worry about recovery, once you make up your mind to go ahead with your robotic knee surgery at Sohana Hospital.
Best knee doctors in Chandigarh, like Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva, take care of all aspects of your knee replacement journey. Right from the time you come to the hospital for your first consultation to getting your knee surgery and successful rehab, we stand by you at every step.
Apart from trusted knee experts, Sohana Hospital has the most advanced CUVIS robot for a precise and personalised procedure, and a painless experience. It is one of the few hospitals in the entire country with modular 7-star operation theatres specially reserved for knee surgeries. International patients can also avail themselves of the best-in-class staying facilities, like private and deluxe suites.
Dedicated physiotherapists support you with tailored rehab to get you on the fast track to recovery.
Don’t ignore your painful knees – Get trusted knee care at Sohana Hospital!