Returning Home After Knee Replacement

Surgery is over, you successfully passed the critical first 24 hours, and now you are returning home. So far, everything was under the control of Op. Dr. Sedat Duman and Op. Dr. Muhammed Duman. But how will you maintain control at home?

Making your home "knee-friendly" is vital to reduce fall risks and speed up recovery. Don't think of your home as a construction site, but as a safe recovery base. Here are lifesaving adjustments:

1. Toilet: "Is a Raised Toilet Seat Necessary?"

Standard toilets are usually low. Since it will be difficult to bend your knee more than 90 degrees immediately after surgery, sitting on a low surface is both painful and risky.

• Raised Toilet Seat: Yes, it is usually necessary. A plastic riser (10-15 cm) reduces the load on your knee.
• How to Sit and Stand?
  • Sitting: Back up to the toilet. Extend your operated leg straight out. Place your hands on the support bars or the riser edges and lower yourself slowly.
  • Standing: Never pull yourself up using the walker; it may tip over! Push up from the toilet/seat with your hands first, then grab the walker once balanced.

2. Bedroom: "Don't Fall into the Pillow Trap!"

You will spend most of your recovery time here. The most important rule is the same one you learned in the hospital.

3. Bathroom: "How Can I Shower with Stitches?"

The bathroom is the most slippery and dangerous place. 70% of falls happen here.

• Timing: Thanks to waterproof modern dressings (like Aquacel) used in our clinic, you can usually shower 3-4 days after discharge if the wound is dry.
• Golden Rule: Never shower standing up! Use a plastic garden chair or a medical shower stool. Sitting reduces knee strain and fall risk to zero.
• Non-slip Mat: Always use a non-slip mat on the shower floor.

4. Safety Measures: Rugs & Lighting

It is easy to trip over rug edges while using a walker. Remove small rugs and mats during recovery. Also, install sensor night lights in the hallway to avoid falling during night trips to the bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions