Total Knee Replacement is an elective operation. The decision to have the operation is yours. The surgeon may recommend the operation, butyour decision must be based upon you weighing the benefits of the operation against the risks. All your questions should have beenanswered before you decide to have the operation.
If you still have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Delhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics,
Sant Parmanand Hospital,
18 Sham Nath Marg, Civil Lines,
Delhi – 110 054.

Your knee replacement should give you years of service. You can protect it by taking a few simple steps:

Watch for and prevent infection: Because your new knee is sensitiveto infection, you must be diligent about preventing infection. If you suspect infection of any kind, contact your doctor right away.

Follow-up care: Your regular follow-up visits will ensure the long termsuccess of your operation. Often, follow-up X-rays will confirm proper placement and alignment of the artificial joint.

Weight control: Keeping your weight under control. This will reduce theamount of pressure and stress on your new knee. Avoid high impact sports and participate regularly in low impact activities to strengthenyour new knees and get the exercise you need to stay fit.Do not attempt to squat or sit cross legged after conventional knee replacement.

Your first return appointment will be 2 weeks after the date of surgery for removal of stitches. Second appointment will be after 1 month, at whichtime you will be examined and have X-rays done. Subsequent appointments will be given based on your progress.

Medication:
You will continue to take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Activity:
Continue to walk with crutches / walker
Bear weight and walk on the leg as much as is comfortable
Walking is one of the better kinds of physical therapy and is good formuscle strengthening
The success of the operation depends to a great extent on how well you dothe exercises and strengthen the muscles
Continue to wear your knee immobilizer as instructed
Our ultimate aim is that you should be able to bend your knee to at least 90degrees (usually more) and be able to strengthen your knee.
Within six weeks after surgery, most patients are able to walk with a cane.

Other considerations:
Do not wet the knee until after the stitches are removed
You can usually return to work within 2-3 months or as instructed byyour doctor.
You should not drive a car until your doctor has advised you to

Care of the wound:
Keep the incision clean and dry. If there is any swelling, redness ordrainage from the incision site, or if you have any pain or fever, report this immediately to your doctor. The stitches are removed at about twoweeks after the operation.

After a conventional implant for Total Knee Replacement, a person can typically walk comfortably and his knee joint will have a good range ofmotion. However, sitting cross-legged and squatting is not advised. If a person opts for a Hi-Flex knee implant, the range of motion of the kneeis better allowing him to sit cross-legged. We would generally suggestthat you do not squat as it is based on individual muscle strength andfitness level. Your doctor will advise you on the activities that you will be able to do comfortably.