What is the likelihood of success?
Success cannot be measured by a quantitative score, but rather by the ability to say “yes” to the following three questions.
1. Are you satisfied with the procedure?
2. Did it meet your expectations?
3. Assuming you have never had this surgery, would you be willing to have it now? About 98% of patients will answer “yes” to all three questions one year after surgery.
How long is the recovery time?
The recovery time after surgery varies from patient to patient. However, for most patients, they will need to use crutches or a walker for 1 month after surgery. For the next few weeks, you can go out with a cane or walk indoors or around a small area without any help. Generally, after 3 months, and possibly a little longer, you can gradually return to a normal functional state without any assistance.
Should I go to a rehabilitation facility or go home after I am discharged from the hospital?
This question varies from person to person, and most say that patients can be discharged home. Because of the lack of specialized rehabilitation facilities in China, most of the patient’s post-operative rehabilitation is still guided by the primary care physician. At the time of discharge, the attending physician will explain to you about the precautions and rehabilitation techniques to be taken after going home.
When will I be able to start driving?
If you had surgery on your right knee, you will not be able to drive for at least 1 month after surgery, but you will be able to drive as soon as you feel comfortable after 1 month. If you had surgery on your left knee and are driving an automatic car, you can drive as long as you are comfortable. However, if you are taking narcotic analgesics, you cannot drive. Some doctors will only allow them to drive after they have seen the patient for 4-6 weeks. Therefore, it is still necessary to check with your surgeon to be sure.
When can I travel?
You can travel as long as you feel comfortable. In general, when traveling for long periods of time, stand up and stretch your legs or walk around at least every hour. This is important to help prevent deep vein thrombosis.
When can I return to work?
This depends on your occupation. If you work mostly sitting, then you can return to work in about 1 month. If the job is physically demanding, it can take up to 3 months to fully return to work. Sometimes patients’ recovery time varies greatly and can be longer or shorter.
What activities can I do after surgery?
You can resume most activities as long as you can tolerate them, including walking, gardening and playing golf. Some of the best activities, such as swimming and riding a stationary bike, help to move the joint and build muscle strength. Sports that expose the joint to high impact stress, such as running, jumping, and physical sports such as single or double tennis, should be avoided.
How long does an artificial joint last?
It varies depending on the patient’s condition. Each year after joint replacement, you have a 1% increased chance of needing a second surgery. For example, about 10% of patients will need a revision surgery 15 years after surgery. Approximately 15% of patients will require revision 20 years after surgery.
How long is the hospital stay for surgery?
Usually 5 to 7 days (depending on the condition and can be extended if necessary).
How long does the surgery take?
The surgery takes about 60 minutes (from incision to suturing) and the entire procedure (including pre-operative skin preparation and disinfection, anesthesia and post-operative recovery) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
How long does it take to get out of bed?
Usually you can get out of bed on the 3rd to 4th day after surgery, but it depends on the patient’s condition.
How long do I need to use my walker after surgery?
Usually you can use a walker for 4-6 weeks after surgery (depending on the patient’s recovery) to avoid falls.
Are there any restrictions on activities after surgery?
There is no restriction. During the hospitalization, a passive motion machine (CPM) will be used to assist the patient to bend the knee joint at an angle of 90 degrees or more. Generally, you can walk with a walker for 4-6 weeks after surgery, and then you can walk without a walker (depending on the patient’s recovery) to avoid falls. After discharge from the hospital, all rehabilitation exercises must continue and gradually increase the amount of activity, with adequate rest after exercise to restore strength.
How long does it take for the redness and swelling of the knee to go away after surgery?
Generally, the redness and swelling will slowly subside 3-4 months after surgery, depending on individual blood circulation.
Why is there a tingling sensation next to the open wound after surgery?
It is because the superficial nerve (infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve) is damaged by the surgical wound, but it does not affect the rehabilitation and daily activities, and will gradually improve after about 1 year.
When will I be able to take a bath (shower), or can the wound be wet?
If the wound is not oozing, you can shower 3 days after surgery. Initially, you can use plastic wrap to keep the wound dry, and if it gets wet, dry it and change the dressing promptly.
When can I fully submerge my knee in the tub or pool?
You can fully immerse your knee in the water 2 weeks after surgery as soon as the wound is fully healed and the stitches have been removed for 3-4 days. In the case of intradermal sutures, you can enter the water 2 weeks after surgery.
When should I put on a knee brace and when should I not?
The knee brace is usually worn at night for the first few days after surgery or for walking until you are able to perform straight leg raises on your own. Most patients do not need to use it.
How much of the Continuous Passive Motion Manipulator (CPM) should I use?
The CPM can be used soon after surgery for a total of 8 hours per day, gradually increasing the bending angle. Active exercise after anesthesia is now preferred, usually without the CPM, but with the help of your primary care physician or a specialized rehabilitation physician for flexion and extension exercises. Active exercise is beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis.
How long should the wound be bandaged?
The bandage needs to be applied for 1 week and the dry sterile gauze changed daily, sometimes longer, to protect the wound from clothing or knee brace irritation.
When are the wound sutures or staples removed?
The sutures or staples are usually removed 2 weeks after surgery, while patients with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis usually need to have their wounds removed longer, approximately 3 weeks after surgery, due to their poor wound healing ability. Intradermal sutures are used to close the wound and no suture removal is required.
How long do I need to take pain medication after surgery?
Pain medication is usually required for 3 months, starting with some stronger acting pain medication such as narcotic pain medication. After 1 month, most patients can stop taking these stronger pain medications and switch to over-the-counter pain medications, such as Fenbutraz.