| One of the most common joint replacement | | | | 3. Early Postoperative Rehabilitation |
| surgeries is the total knee replacement (TKR) or | | | | It is crucial to start the total knee replacement |
| total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite the | | | | recovery as soon as the physician indicates. Early |
| numerous surgeries performed each year many | | | | rehabilitation will reduce joint stiffness, swelling, |
| individuals are ill prepared regarding the total knee | | | | improve overall circulation in the extremity, speed |
| replacement recovery process. Below we will | | | | up weight bearing activities and reduce pain. Most |
| discuss some of the issues involved in recovering | | | | patients will have a continuous passive motion |
| and rehabilitating from this orthopedic surgery. | | | | (CPM) device placed on the surgical knee within |
| 1. Preoperative Physical Conditioning | | | | hours of the operation. This mechanical device will |
| Let me begin by saying total knee replacement | | | | provide automatic passive range of motion to the |
| recovery actually begins well before the surgery | | | | knee while the patient is lying in bed. |
| takes place. Here's why. Successful knee | | | | 4. Progressive and Continuous Rehab |
| replacement recovery will depend on many | | | | Some of the goals for total knee replacement |
| different factors but some include the age of the | | | | recovery is to walk down the hallway with a |
| patient, the number of comorbidities and the | | | | crutch or walker, climb a short set of stairs, fully |
| general condition of the individual prior to surgery. | | | | straighten their knees, bend the knee to |
| Patients who are in better physical shape and | | | | approximately 90° or greater, and perform |
| overall condition tend to have an easier time with | | | | home exercises independently. If the patient is |
| the rehab program. | | | | unable to reach these goals within three to six |
| Many orthopedic doctors will recommend a patient | | | | days, further aggressive rehab is needed and |
| lose weight and/or strengthen the muscles of the | | | | they may be sent to a rehabilitation center for a |
| involved leg to better prepare the knee joint for | | | | week or two or longer depending on their medical |
| surgery and postoperative rehab. | | | | and social needs. |
| 2. Pain | | | | 5. Ongoing Physical Activity |
| I won't sugar coat this one. Other than shoulder | | | | After the knee replacement therapy has been |
| replacement, the total knee replacements are | | | | completed, it's a good idea to continue with |
| among the most painful orthopedic surgeries that | | | | physical activities and exercise to maintain the |
| are done. I have rehabilitated many joints in my | | | | level of strength and range of motion in the knee. |
| career and this one gets frequent complaints | | | | Stay fit and the knee replacement will last longer. |
| regarding the level and duration of pain through | | | | Ultimately the goal of total knee replacement |
| the rehab phase. The good news is that your | | | | recovery is to return the patient to their prior |
| doctor will prescribe pain medications if indicated | | | | level of function and living environment. Most total |
| and there are special therapy treatments to help | | | | knee replacement surgeries have a high success |
| reduce pain as well. Once you can get through the | | | | rate when combined with early, progressive rehab |
| initial week or two of total knee replacement | | | | intervention. |
| recovery it gets significantly better. | | | | |