On the day of your surgery:

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 - 12 hours before the procedure.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

Most patients go home the day after surgery. You can put your full weight on your knee right away. There is usually less rehabilitation or physical therapy needed compared to total knee replacement.

After surgery, you will be encouraged to do as much as you can for yourself. This includes going to the bathroom or taking walks in the hallways, always with someone helping you.

Most people do not need a short stay in a rehabilitation center after they leave the hospital and before they go home.

Most patients have a fast recovery and have much less pain than they did before surgery.

Many patients are able to walk without a cane or walker by 1 - 2 weeks after surgery. You will need physical therapy for 4 to 6 months.

Most forms of exercise are acceptable after surgery, including walking, swimming, and biking. However, you should avoid high-impact activities such as jogging.

Images

The structure of a joint

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Review Date: 12/20/2010
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)