How Robotic Knee Replacement Recovery Works? A Week-By-Week Guide

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After undergoing robotic knee replacement surgery, your life may seem like before, but this time without any severe pain and discomfort. The hurting and suffering that once led to sleepless nights and an inability to walk or stand up would be gone after this surgical procedure. But this does not happen instantly; in fact, it takes some time for your new implant to adjust to the joints and go through the healing phase. Most likely, your robotic knee replacement recovery timeline would be 3 to 6 months, depending on your aftercare techniques and strict adherence to your surgeon’s guidelines.

Talking about the hospital stay after robotic replacement surgery, it is generally 1 to 4 days; however, if your surgery has been done on an outpatient basis, then you’ll be discharged the same day.

First week after the surgery (Hospital stay)

During your hospital stay, the first step towards recovery should be taken, as explained in the following points:-

You’ll be guided to walk with a walker, cane or crutches to prevent excessive burden on the new implants.
Evaluate whether you can get in and out of bed all by yourself without any help or not.
Use the bathroom on your own and do small tasks such as climbing the stairs without anyone’s help.
You’ll be assisted in performing the home exercises to thoroughly improve your healing.
Most importantly, knee precautions would be noted to monitor your recovery stage.
Your medical staff would thoroughly manage the wound care and ensure they check the blood circulation to identify the risk of blood clots.
Experiencing pain and swelling during the first 3-4 days after the surgery is normal, which is managed by the medical staff through prescribed medications and cold therapy.

2nd and 4th week after the surgery

Walking and standing with assistive devices would be continued in order to manage the precise location of the new knee implant.
With the prescribed medications and cold therapy, your swelling and bruising might get reduced, but mild discomfort would still be there.
Keep following the home exercise and your physiotherapy sessions to manage the mobility and strength of your knee.
You can start taking short walks instead of relying on your bed for 24 hours in order to improve strength.
You will start experiencing improvement in your sleep schedule as your pain is managed during this week, letting you rest peacefully.

5th and 8th week after the surgery

You’ll start experiencing little improvement in your knee health as you’ll be able to walk without any assistive devices.
Walking through uneven surfaces does not seem very challenging to you, reflecting your effective recovery phase.
Start covering the shorter distances without any help so that your knee strength remains preserved.
You can start driving this week; however, the final decision depends entirely on your surgeon’s advice.
You would be able to perform little household tasks such as folding the clothes and dusting.
Don’t skip your physiotherapy and gentle exercises, as it will gradually help enhance your mobility and strength.

9th to 12th week after the surgery

You may experience reduced dependency on assisted devices during this week, as you start covering longer distances.
Continue with the gentle exercises and physiotherapy to thoroughly build the muscle strength around the joint.
You can gradually start indulging in light exercises and swimming or yoga to get back to your old life.
Ensure you manage the physical activities and exercises during this week, as learning the right posture and balance is crucial to prevent any unnecessary strain on your new implant.

After the 12th week of surgery

Finally, you will start feeling much better after 3 months of complete care of your new implant in terms of engaging in your routine activities.
If you love shopping, then you can even go for that, thus reflecting your reduced need for assistive devices.
You can prefer dancing and playing golf, but make sure that your doctor is aware of such activities.
Ensure you remain consistent with your weight, as being overweight might put unnecessary stress on your knee implant.
Follow-up with your knee replacement surgeon is necessary to track your robotic knee replacement recovery time timeline and suggest better aftercare techniques for rapid healing.

Effective guidelines after robotic knee replacement surgery when you reach home!

Start with preparing your home!

If you are living alone, appoint a helper to prepare your home while you are home after the surgery. Otherwise, your friends or family members can do the same too.
If your room is upstairs, avoid climbing the stairs; instead, make your living room your bedroom during your recovery period.
If you need a chair, then arrange a specific chair with a footstool to allow your legs to relax, preventing unnecessary burden on them.
For bathing, your robotic knee replacement recovery time aftercare includes arranging a shower chair and raising the toilet seat if possible to let your new implant relax properly.
You can even use a handheld shower, which is quite the best option to bathe properly while sitting on a shower chair.

Taking extra care of your wound!

While you are in hospital, the medical staff will be cleaning and changing your dressing; therefore, before leaving, ask them for the proper instructions regarding this.
Make sure to have a word with your surgeon regarding your bathing activities in terms of when to start them for a better healing process.
Most importantly, be aware of the warning signs such as severe redness, swelling and drainage in order to get immediate medical help.

Manage your swelling!

Noticing moderate swelling after the robotic knee replacement surgery is normal and can be manageable with the right techniques.
Ensure you use the ice pack thoroughly to manage the swelling, or use compression techniques with the use of a specific stocking suggested by your surgeon.
Also, make sure to keep your leg elevated while you are resting, as this can help in managing the swelling.
If the swelling persists and doesn’t improve a little, then calling for medical help would be necessary.

Ask about the medication and maintain your diet!

Your surgeon might prescribe you some medication, such as a stool softener or anti-nausea medication; make sure to be consistent with them.
Also, if you have already been taking any other medicines for a different health issue, then discuss it with your surgeon to inquire about its continuity.
Manage your diet with the addition of vitamin K food items such as cauliflower and broccoli, along with an intake of iron supplements.

Get along with some common misconceptions about robotic knee replacement surgery!

Myth 1: Robots themselves perform this surgery!

Fast Fact: As the name itself says, robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery indicates that robots assist the surgeon in performing the surgery instead of doing it themselves.

Myth 2: The recovery period is pain-free and discomfort-free!

Fast Fact: Although robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is an advanced procedure and the recovery is also rapid, slight pain and discomfort would still be experienced. This is the reason surgeons provide a proper recovery guide and assistance to manage the pain and discomfort before your hospital discharge.

Myth 3: The surgical procedure is still not proven and just an experimental procedure!

Fast Fact: According to The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, it has been stated that robotic knee replacement surgery is associated with the precise and accurate fitting of the new implant. This surgical procedure has been performed for years and has provided relief to numerous patients.

The Final Comments!

Summing up the above-mentioned points, you might have understood the robotic knee replacement surgery timeline in Ludhiana, including following your surgeon’s guidance and improving the mobility of your new implant. Also, by following the proper aftercare techniques of this surgical procedure, you would be able to get back on track very soon.

The experts at Kalyan Hospital are readily available to help you throughout the entire procedure of your knee replacement surgery with robotic assistance. If you are concerned about reduced mobility in your knee and increasing knee pain, then schedule your appointment with us right now! Our expert, Dr. Rajinder Singh, has proficient knowledge and more than 30 years of experience, completed MCH (ortho) in the US, and is available to manage your joint and knee health.

The entire information regarding the aftercare technique of robotic knee replacement is taken from OrthoInfo, summarised in a well-structured manner.

FAQs

Can I drive after three months of my knee surgery?

Yes, you can drive after three months of your surgery, but make sure to have a word with your surgeon to be on the safe side first.

After how much time can I go to the office after my robotic knee surgery?

Approximately after four to six weeks, you can continue your professional work by visiting the office; however, this entirely depends on how you feel after a specific time period.