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Surgery is Over, Now What?
The First 24 Hours Guide After Knee Replacement
When the operating room doors close, time stops for the relatives; but the moment surgery ends, the "recovery clock" starts ticking for you. The success of knee replacement surgery depends not only on the surgeon's skill but also on the steps taken (or not taken) in the first 24 hours.
Thanks to modern protocols applied by Op. Dr. Sedat Duman and Op. Dr. Muhammed Duman, this surgery, which used to mean "days in bed," now implies "walking on the same day."
If your biggest fear is "Will I be in a lot of pain when I wake up?", our answer is: Most likely, no. Modern surgery uses "pre-emptive" analgesia. Your surgeon has likely injected a special cocktail into your knee, or the anesthesiologist has performed a nerve block. Numbness in your legs is your friend in these first hours.
Once in your room, you will see mechanical pumps wrapped around your legs. These inflate and deflate to massage your legs, accelerating blood flow and preventing blood clots (DVT).
You might want to put a pillow under your knee for comfort. But you must not do this! Placing a pillow under the knee can cause it to remain bent (flexion contracture). If a pillow is used, it should only be placed under the heel.
The golden rule today is: "A walking patient is a healing patient." Just a few hours after surgery, once the numbness subsides, you will be helped up by a physical therapist. Early walking is the most effective medicine against blood clots.
Mild pain may start as anesthesia wears off completely. Do not wait for the pain to get severe; ask for your painkillers early. Try to keep your leg straight while sleeping.
By morning, you will feel much stronger. If you have a drain, it is usually removed painlessly. Your physical therapist will review exercises with you.
You have passed this critical threshold successfully. You can now walk and manage your pain. The upcoming days will focus on preparation for going home. The hardest part is behind you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks to nerve blocks, the first few hours are usually pain-free. Mild pain may start afterward, but this is easily controlled with medication.
Once you stand up (usually after 6 hours), you can go to the bathroom with a walker. Using a raised toilet seat makes it easier.
The surgery itself takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Including anesthesia prep and recovery room time, returning to your room may take 3-4 hours.