What Precautions Do I Need to Take after Knee Replacement Surgery?

Artificial knee arthroplasty has become an important method for treating knee joint lesions caused by various diseases. However, if the operation is successfully based on surgical techniques, and no postoperative rehabilitation training is performed, it cannot achieve the expected effect of surgery. Rehabilitation after artificial knee replacement has become an indispensable part of surgery. In the early postoperative period, continuous passive exercise exercises, free-hand exercises of joint mobility, walking exercises, physical factor therapy, and late quadriceps muscle strength training are used to prevent postoperative complications, improve the range of knee joint movement and recovery The purpose of walking ability makes the final effect of the surgery reach a very high level.

Basic Information

Visiting department: Rehabilitation physiotherapy

Multiple groups: Patients after knee replacement
Common locations: Knee joint

Evaluation of rehabilitation after knee replacement

Rehabilitation assessment after artificial knee joint replacement plays an important role in guiding, adjusting rehabilitation programs and evaluating the final treatment effect. Assessments include:

1. Evaluation of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength.

2. Evaluation of knee condition: degree of knee deformity, soft tissue balance, local bone condition, etc.

3. Evaluation of postoperative position of artificial knee joint.

4. Knee function score.

Rehabilitation goals after knee replacement

1. Prevention of long-term bed complications: deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, lung infections, urinary tract infections, etc.

2. Improve and restore the knee joint range of motion and reduce knee pain.

3. Through walking training, the patient's independent ability of daily living activities can be restored as soon as possible, and the quality of life can be improved.

Rehabilitation procedure after knee replacement

Postoperative rehabilitation procedure

1. On the day after the operation, raise the heels and raise the affected limbs to rest and avoid pressure ulcers.

2. On the first day after surgery, perform isometric contraction exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings. Raise the affected limb at rest.

3. On the 2nd to 4th day after the operation, continue the passive activity exercise, the initial range of activity is 0 ° -45 °, 2 times a day, 1 hour each time. And perform joint mobility exercises.

4. On the 5th to 6th day after the operation, begin balancing and coordinating exercises.

5. On the 7th day after surgery, practice walking with walking sticks or walking.

6. In the second week after surgery, the CPM flexion and extension gradually increased to 0 ° -90 °, and the range of knee flexion could reach 90 ° within 2 weeks after surgery. Perform resistance exercises for the isotonic contraction exercises of the quadriceps femoris muscles and the occipital muscles, exercise of functional bicycles, and go up and down the stairs as appropriate.

7. In the third week after the operation, increase squat exercises.

8. Three to six weeks after the operation, the main purpose is to strengthen muscle strength, and continue to exercise joint mobility, while continuing to improve walking ability, fully load.

Rehabilitation training method after knee replacement

Common rehabilitation training methods after surgery

1. Quadriceps Isometric Exercise

Supine or seated position, with the knee straight, contract the quadriceps with the greatest possible strength without increasing pain.

2. Isometric exercises for hamstrings

Supine or seated position, with the knees straight or slightly flexed, to maximize the strength and contract the hamstrings without increasing pain.

3. Knee extension exercise

Sitting or supine position. Heel padding, free calf and knee joints, hold for 20-30 minutes. If necessary, add weight to your lap.

4. Straight leg exercises

In the supine position, straighten your knees as much as possible and raise your straight legs. After strengthening, he changed to a seated position. And can add an appropriate load at the ankle joint to strengthen the exercise.

5. Patella loosening

Push the edge of the patella with your fingertips or palm roots, and slowly push the patella upward, downward, left, and right. 10 to 20 times in each direction, 2 to 3 times / day.

Rehabilitation assessment and education after knee replacement

Pre-discharge assessment and education:

Prior to discharge, bilateral lower limb muscle strength, knee joint mobility, walking ability, and knee function scores were assessed. Teach patients a family training program, emphasizing the movements and positions that should be avoided after surgery, and return to hospital for rehabilitation once or twice a week for 3 months.