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It is important to understand that healing is a slow process. There will be progressive improvement in the knee for up to a year after the operation. Worldwide, the average range of knee flexion following a knee replacement is about 115°, but it is possible in some cases to achieve up to 130°. Your final possible range of motion is largely determined by your pre-operative range of motion. In other words, if you only have 90° of knee flexion before a TKR, it is very unlikely you will improve to 120° degrees thereafter. A range of 120° allows you to do all normal daily activities of living including kneeling. However, you will not be able to squat after a TKR (go down on your haunches). You should be able to take part in sporting activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, lawn bowls and doubles tennis. You should avoid any jumping or running. If your life depends on it you should be able to run, but do not consider doing it for exercise!

You can expect to feel a click in the knee at times. We attempt to place the prosthesis in position without over-tensioning the ligaments. This results in a bit of play (laxity) and can lead to the metal surface clicking against the plastic component. This does not mean that the prosthesis has loosened from the bone and is not of concern.

You will probably also have decreased sensation to the outside of your knee. This is the result of the inevitable cutting through the thin nerves in the skin. This numb area will gradually get smaller but sensation in that area may not return in full.

The knee prosthesis will activate the metal detectors at security check-points, especially at airports. It is advisable to wear loose fitting clothes that allow you to easily show your scar if you are requested to. We will also provide you with proof of your surgery and the specific details of your prosthesis in the form of a credit card-size disc.

As with any surgical procedure there is a small possibility of complications. The most important complication is the possibility of an infection. The chance of this is remote, approximately 0.5%. Should an infection develop it can sometimes be treated by a clean out (debridement) of the knee along with exchanging the plastic component for a new one and antibiotic treatment. Often this is not feasible or is unsuccessful and then a so-called “two-stage revision” of the knee replacement must be performed. The risk of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurring is less than 1%.

Should you need any other surgery in the future, especially dental, you should inform your doctor/dentist that you have had a knee replacement. An antibiotic should be administered beforehand to decrease the risk of an infection in your knee prosthesis.

PLEASE NOTE: Under NO circumstances should anyone except an orthopaedic surgeon insert a needle into your replaced knee, either for an INJECTION or ASPIRATION of fluid.

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