Artificial Knee Joint - Aftercare

As with any other operative procedure, you will have to deal with pain afterwards; however, this can be handled optimally in the clinic. Swelling, reddening, or bruising can occur. The drainage hoses are removed after a few days.

The final results and the stability of the new knee joint hinge decisively on aftercare. While you are still in the hospital, you will learn how to use your new joint with the aid of physical therapists. The angles of stretching and bending will be gradually increased every day so that by the time you leave the clinic you will be able to accomplish basic daily activities such as body hygiene and dressing yourself. Climbing stairs will also be relearned. Depending on the scope of the operation, you may need to rely on crutches for movement during the first weeks after the procedure. In the first 12 weeks after the installation of the joint, you should not subject your knees to extreme loads. This includes, for example, lifting heavy objects as well as sports activities which involve pushing loads using rapid velocity and sudden braking. Regular walks on well-established paths are good for your joint, as are bicycling and swimming on your chest or back. The physiotherapeutic exercises you learn in the clinic should also be performed at home in order to strengthen your musculature and train your joint. Because your musculature is still relatively sluggish in the first three months, you should refrain from driving during this time.^2,9

Please maintain a regular schedule of follow-up examinations so that possible complications can be recognized early, thus ensuring that your aftercare is handled optimally. Please speak with the doctor who is treating you about these and further individual aftercare activities.