Frequently Asked Questions

Knee Replacement

When do I go home?

The majority of patients are discharged home within 2-7 days. Some patients are safe to go home earlier whilst others may need longer.

Will I require painkillers?

Painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory tablets are provided by the hospital for the first few days following surgery and advice will be offered prior to leaving hospital. Further pain killers may be required from your doctor.

When do I remove my dressings?

Advice on dressings (if still required) will be given before leaving hospital.

What can I do at home?

Exercises will need to be done frequently each day to build muscles and recover range of movement. It is important to remain active at home and regular walks are encouraged. When resting it is best to elevate the leg to reduce swelling. Most knees, however, remain swollen for many weeks.

When can I take a shower?

You may take a shower or bathe when you get home once you can get safely into and out of the bath/shower and providing wounds have healed.

When can I drive?

In order to drive safely you must have regained good muscle control of the operated leg and pain must be controlled. Remember you are not allowed to drive whilst taking some types of pain killers. Driving is normally possible 3-6 weeks after surgery depending on which leg and whether the car is manual or automatic. Advice can be sought from your surgeon or physiotherapist.

When can I return to work?

This depends on the recovery from surgery and the type of work. Some patients have more complicated surgery which may require extra restrictions.

The majority of office-type workers can return within 3-4 weeks, whilst those patients who need to stand for long periods may need 6-8 weeks off work.

Should I do exercises at home?

Simple exercises will normally be demonstrated by the physiotherapists prior to leaving hospital. These must be performed regularly to be effective. However, it is possible to over-exercise which can cause increased swelling and pain. If in doubt consult your physiotherapist.

(Related topic > Physiotherapy)

Will I require physiotherapy after leaving hospital?

Most patients require additional physiotherapy following discharge. Patients will be advised on an individual basis prior to discharge.

What are the possible complications following surgery?

The majority of patients have an uncomplicated recovery but knee replacement is a major operation which carries risks of complications. The main risks associated with knee replacement are:

Infection – the chance of a serious deep infection is approximately 1-2%, although 2-3% may have a treatable infection which settles down over a short period. A serious deep infection is a major complication which may require further (often extensive) surgery to treat it.
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots affecting the lower leg can occur although precautions are taken to reduce the chance of this. They are often not serious and are treatable.
Pulmonary Embolus – a rare but serious complication where a blood clot obstructs some of the blood vessels in the lung.
Nerve damage – it is common for patients to be left with a patch of numbness on the outside of the scar on the front of the leg. It is extremely rare to have nerve damage which causes weakness in the leg or foot.
Bleeding
Stiffness

Warning signs you should look out for are:

Fever / Chills above 38ºC (100.4ºF).
Persistent warmth or redness around the knee.
Leakage from the wound after leaving hospital.
Persistent or increased pain.
Significant swelling, tingling or numbness in your knee/leg which is not relieved by elevating the leg for one hour.
Increasing pain in your calf muscles.
Shortness of breath or chest pain.

If you experience any of the above please contact the Hospital for advice.