The short-term outlook of total knee replacement is excellent. Most patients can stand the morning after surgery and begin exercise that day. With the support of walkers or crutches, patients can walk with confidence, climb stairs and ride in a car by the time they leave the hospital. Physical therapy and motion exercises are the key to a good result and these should continue for months. Some swelling, aching and numbing are normal during this time.
Most patients are up and about within six weeks after surgery.
The patient can influence these odds by staying at an ideal weight, exercising, protecting against infection and avoiding impact sports. Revision surgery is different in that the original components are removed and new components are implanted. The technical aspects of the surgery are more complex than the original total knee replacement. However, the preparation for surgery and hospital experience tend to be very similar to the primary knee replacement. If a knee is infected the patient is first given antibiotics.