Recovery after Robotic Knee Replacement – By Dr Daniel Meyerkort, Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre
The importance of preparing before surgery – ‘Prehab’ Physiotherapy
To maximise your recovery after robotic knee replacement surgery, ‘prehab’ is very important. This involves increasing your strength and knee function before you undergo surgery. The benefits of doing prehab before surgery are less pain, a faster recovery and better knee function long term. Physiotherapists are experts in teaching you how to improve your muscular strength even when you have a painful, arthritic knee.
Recovery after robotic knee replacement surgery
- The anaesthetist will perform a nerve block to reduce pain after surgery while still allowing you to activate your muscles and bend your knee
- High volume local anesthetic is injected around the knee to reduce pain
- Physiotherapy will start on day of surgery or day after surgery (depending on the time of your surgery)
- Full weight bearing with crutches or a frame, knee motion and muscular strengthening commence on the day after surgery
- Daily visit by the Pain Management Service – the goal is to keep your pain levels manageable to allow your to perform your Physiotherapy Exercises
- Around 3 nights in hospital
General recovery timelines after robotic knee replacement surgery
- 2 weeks – Pain management to keep pain levels under control and allow your to commence Physiotherapy
- 2 – 4 weeks – Wean Crutches as able
- 6 weeks – Most patients are 70% recovered, increasing walking distance, return to sport specific rehab (eg aiming to return to cycling / golf etc)
- 12 weeks – Most patients are 85 – 90% recovered, continue working on your goals to maximise the function of your new knee
- 12 months – Best knee function, lowest pain and best functional result