Frequently Asked Questions of Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty

A surgery – a surgery – is of course a cause for concern for most patients. However, for most it is the post-operative aftermath that is most important, this is especially more evident in operations such as knee arthroplasty where the goal is to return the patient to a quality of life that has long since been lost. Frequently asked questions patients have are the following:

When can I return to work?

It depends on the work. For most mild activities, returning to work at 4 weeks after surgery is reasonable. However, for jobs where they undertake intense and/or manual activities, a period of at least 3 months is required.

When can I do sports (sports activities)?

It depends on the activity. Sports activities that involve physical contact are best avoided in general after arthroplasty procedures. Sports activities that do not involve physical contact (such as golf) are usually allowed at 6 weeks after arthroplasty, although it is usually preferable at 3 months.

When can I have sexual intercourse?

What’s stopping you? After total knee arthroplasty there is no barrier.

When can I drive a car?

Usually 4-6 weeks is a safe period after a total knee arthroplasty. The knees should be able to bend at least at right angles to be able to make the ride comfortable. That’s why it can take up to 6 weeks. When driving a car, place the seat as far back as you can and drop the back so that you are comfortable. For safe driving after a total arthroplasty, it is necessary to have satisfactory reflexes which require that muscle strength has been restored to the operated limb and that there is no pain.

When can I stop using my crutches (bacteria)?

Usually the physiotherapist will advise you on this. However, most patients will stop using crutches no later than one month after a knee arthroplasty. However, this general rule often does not apply and some patients throw away one crutch much faster. It is also advisable not to make an abrupt transition from the two crutches to any support, but a transition where you first leave one bacterium and keep the bacterium on the opposite side of the operated leg. And the length of time you will need to keep one bacterium varies. For some patients or certain operations that need extra attention and care, this total period may need to be extended. This is mainly the case in re-operation operations and in older patients with weaker muscular systems.

When can I stop wearing antithrombotic socks (graduated compression socks)?

It is common practice for patients undergoing total knee replacement to wear elastic stockings while in the hospital. These, combined with medication, reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The usual period of administration of anticoagulant – antithrombotic treatment in total knee hip arthroplasty is four to six weeks and this is also the period for which it is considered appropriate to administer elastic stockings. The correct use of elastic stockings is to be worn 24 hours a day, while they can be removed when the patient is walking and muscle activity helps blood circulation in the calves and reduces the risk of thrombosis. However, because socks can be quite annoying for some patients, especially in the summer, and because their role is adjuvant in medication, several surgeons advise their patients to remove the socks during the night or at certain times when they bother them.

When can I lie on my side?

Whenever you want when it comes to total knee arthroplasties.

When can I sit in a low chair?

After total knee arthroplasty there is no limit to the height of the seat as a knee is extremely unlikely to be dislocated. However, the rule of height of 45-50 cm also applies after a total knee arthroplasty because at this height both sitting and standing up are much more comfortable than the seat.

When can I swim?

Once the wound has healed after a total knee arthroplasty.

When will I be able to put on my shoes and socks myself or when can I trim my toenails myself?

After a total knee replacement you can do these activities whenever you want.

When can I go up and down stairs?

Whenever you wish. Sometimes it is difficult with two crutches, especially if your surgeon has recommended that you do not load the operated leg. However, there is no mechanical reason why you should not go up or down the stairs from the moment you get home, if you can do it. Usually going up and down the ladder is an activity that is learned in the hospital before discharge.

When can I lift weight or do my shopping?

About 6 weeks after surgery. It is difficult to lift weights when using crutches or a walker.

When can I get in and out of the bathtub?

First of all, your wound is best not to get wet before the stitches are removed. Besides, when you can bend the knee sufficiently to get in and out of the bathtub, then you will be able to do this.