What to Expect Before, During, and After Knee Replacement Surgery at Akshara Hospitals

 What to Expect Before, During, and After Knee Replacement Surgery at Akshara  Hospitals



Introduction:

Knee pain can be life-changing — limiting your mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If your doctor has recommended knee replacement surgery, you’re probably wondering what the journey looks like.

This guide will walk you through everything you can expect before, during, and after knee replacement surgery — so you feel confident, prepared, and ready for a new chapter of movement.

Before Knee Replacement Surgery: Preparation Is Key:

Getting ready for surgery involves more than just booking the date. Preparing your body, mind, and environment can significantly impact your recovery.

1. Medical Evaluation

Your orthopedic surgeon will request:

  • X-rays or MRI scans of your knee

  • Blood tests

  • Heart and lung evaluations if necessary
    This ensures you’re healthy enough for surgery and helps the surgical team plan effectively.

2. Preoperative Education

Many hospitals offer joint replacement classes. These programs explain:

  • What happens during surgery

  • Pain management options

  • Postoperative exercises

  • Recovery expectations

It’s an excellent opportunity to ask questions!

3. Prehabilitation (Prehab)

Doing physical therapy before surgery can:

  • Strengthen muscles around the knee

  • Improve flexibility

  • Speed up recovery

Exercises typically focus on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles.

4. Home Preparation

  • Arrange for help with daily activities (like cooking and bathing)

  • Create a recovery-friendly space with essentials within easy reach

  • Install grab bars in the bathroom

  • Remove trip hazards like rugs and cords

During Knee Replacement Surgery: What Happens in the Operating Room:

Understanding the procedure can ease a lot of anxiety.

1. Arrival at the Hospital

  • You’ll arrive a few hours early for check-in.

  • Nurses will prep your knee and administer anesthesia (either general or spinal block).

2. The Surgery

  • Your surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone.

  • Artificial implants (metal and plastic components) are placed to create a new, smooth joint surface.

  • The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

3. Immediate Post-Surgery

  • You’ll wake up in a recovery room under close monitoring.

  • Your knee will be bandaged and possibly supported with a brace.

  • Pain management begins immediately, usually with medications.

After Knee Replacement Surgery: Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Recovery is a journey — and staying committed to your rehabilitation plan is crucial for success.

1. Hospital Stay

  • Most patients stay 1 to 3 days after surgery.

  • You’ll start walking with assistance (like a walker) within 24 hours.

  • A physical therapist will guide you through gentle exercises.

2. First Few Weeks at Home

Expect:

  • Swelling and bruising (ice packs and elevation help!)

  • Gradual increase in activity levels

  • Continued use of a walker or crutches

  • Physical therapy 2–3 times per week

3. Physical Therapy Goals

  • Regain full range of motion

  • Strengthen supporting muscles

  • Learn to walk normally without aids

  • Return to daily activities safely

4. Long-Term Recovery

  • Most people resume normal activities within 3 to 6 months.

  • Full recovery (including returning to high-impact sports, if allowed) may take up to 1 year.

  • Modern knee implants can last 15–20 years or longer with proper care.

Tips for a Smooth Knee Replacement Recovery:

✅ Follow your surgeon’s advice
✅ Stay consistent with exercises
✅ Maintain a healthy diet to promote healing
✅ Communicate openly with your healthcare team
✅ Stay positive and patient — healing takes time!

Contact us with any Orthopedic problems


Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon 

Pls Call: 70366 01444

Address: Juvvalapalem Rd, Next to Axis Bank Chinnamirum, Tammi Raju Nagar,
 Bhimavaram


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SPORTS INJURIES

Hand and Wrist Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Common Sports Injuries and How to Treat Them