In order for you to meet the goals of knee replacement surgery, you must take ownership of the rehab process and work diligently on your own, as well as with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The rehabilitation process following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful at times. However, if you commit to following your program and overcome the challenges in rehab, you will succeed in meeting the goals you set when deciding on surgery. The following outline will summarize the process you will adhere to during rehabilitation:

1. In the Hospital
• CPM (continuous passive motion) beginning day one or two
• Ambulation with a walker or crutches (weight-bearing status determined by your surgeon)
• Range of motion exercises
• Edema control (ice, compression, elevation)
• Instruction in home exercise program
• Discharge goals are as follows:
1. Independent getting in and out of bed
2. Independent in walking with walker or crutches
3. Independent in walking up and down 3 steps
4. Independent in your home exercise program
5. Ability to bend your knee 90 degrees
6. Ability to fully straighten your knee
2. At Home
• Begin ambulation with a cane as tolerated.
• Continue CPM (if necessary) and range-of-motion exercises.
• Keep incision clean and dry; watch closely for signs of infection.
• Continue home exercise program.
3. Outpatient Physical Therapy
• Advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated
• Stationary cycling
• Walking program
• Aquatic therapy program
4. Long-term Rehabilitation Goals
• Range of motion from 100-120 degrees of knee flexion
• Mild or no pain with walking or other low-impact physical activities
• Independent with all activities of daily living

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.

(Consult your therapist regarding the number of reps)

Leg Lifts
Raise leg six inches above the mat, keeping knee straight.

Knee Extension
Place a pillow under your knee. Lift your foot off the mat.

Ankle Pumps
Flex ankle up and down.

Quadriceps Sets
Tighten thigh muscles and hold contraction for five seconds.

Heel Slides
Flex your hip and knee. Return knee to the straight position.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.

Direct Anterior approach

Direct Anterior approach for hip replacement

If you've been told you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery, you may benefit from a minimally invasive surgical technique called Direct Anterior hip replacement surgery. Put simply, this technique changes the direction from which a surgeon can access your hip joint.

With the Direct Anterior approach, your specially trained orthopedic surgeon is able to repair your painful hip through a natural space between the muscles of the anterior (front) portion of the hip, rather than making the incision on the posterior (back) side, which has the potential of damaging the muscles that make up the primary support system for the joint. These are the muscles you spend weeks and months rehabilitating after surgery.

During this procedure the hip joint is exposed between the anterior muscles, without the need to cut tissue or detach tendons. Once access is gained, the portion of the upper thigh bone (the femoral head and neck) and the hip socket (acetabulum) are prepared for the insertion of the hip replacement implant, just as in a traditional procedure.

The hip replacement is comprised of metal and plastic components that replace the ball-and-socket elements of the hip joint. They are secured within the femur (thighbone) and acetabulum (hip socket) either with bone cement or by "press-fit," meaning the implants are shaped to achieve stability without bone cement. Through the use of X-rays, physicians can ensure the implants have the proper fit and alignment to ensure comfort and a natural range-of-motion after surgery.

Smith & Nephew offers a wide range of hip replacement implants and your surgeon will choose the most appropriate one for you. One consideration used in selecting your implant may be its resistance to the scratching and abrasion that can cause an implant to wear out before its time.

Advantages to utilizing the Direct Anterior approach

This minimally invasive technique allows for preservation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint, allowing for immediate stability following surgery, as well as a possible lower risk of dislocation, as the primary support muscles are left intact.

Patients may have a shorter hospital stay, as there are typically fewer post-operative restrictions and the possibility of a faster healing time associated with this technique.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.