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Recovery · Orthopaedics · Joint replacement

Knee replacement recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after knee replacement at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full Knee replacement guide

Length of stay
14–21 days
Fly-home clearance
Day 12–14
Back to desk work
Week 4–6
Full activity
Month 6–12

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0 (surgery)

    Spinal block + total knee arthroplasty

    90–120 min in theatre under spinal anaesthesia with sedation. PCA pump for first 24 h. Wound dressed with absorbable sutures and a silver-impregnated drape.

  2. When
    Day 1

    Mobilise with frame

    Stand and take 5–10 supervised steps with a Zimmer frame. Cryotherapy cuff applied for 4 h cycles. Switch from PCA to oral analgesia.

  3. When
    Day 3–5

    Hospital discharge

    Discharged once independent on stairs with crutch or stick, ROM ≥90°, dressing dry, INR controlled. Move to partner hotel.

  4. When
    Day 7–10

    Wound check + suture removal

    Wound check at the hospital, bloods and INR rechecked. Tele-physio review of home programme.

  5. When
    Day 12–14

    Fly-home clearance

    VTE prophylaxis is bridged for the flight; aisle seat with hourly walks recommended. Discharge summary, x-rays and post-op letter handed over.

  6. When
    Week 4–6

    Back to desk work

    Return to sedentary work. Driving permitted at week 4–6 if right knee + automatic. Continue PT 2–3×/week.

  7. When
    Month 3

    ROM 0–120°

    Pain-free ADLs. Resume swimming, cycling and walking. Avoid impact sports.

  8. When
    Month 6–12

    Full activity clearance

    Implant osseointegration complete. Resume golf, hiking, doubles tennis. Lifetime hardware.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth (suspect DVT)
  • Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (suspect PE)
  • Wound drainage, fever >38.5°C, or spreading erythema (suspect SSI)
  • Sudden severe knee pain with audible pop (suspect mechanical complication)

12-month tele-follow-up

  • 6-week, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month tele-consult check-ins
  • Annual implant survivorship check (clinical or radiographic)
  • Direct WhatsApp / WeChat line to the operating surgeon for first 12 months

Aftercare on repatriation

Most repatriating patients continue PT with a local physio under the discharge protocol; we share the protocol PDF with your local provider on request.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after knee replacement?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Day 12–14. VTE prophylaxis is bridged for the flight; aisle seat with hourly walks recommended. Discharge summary, x-rays and post-op letter handed over.
When can I return to work after knee replacement?
Week 4–6: Return to sedentary work. Driving permitted at week 4–6 if right knee + automatic. Continue PT 2–3×/week.
When can I resume full activity?
Month 6–12: Implant osseointegration complete. Resume golf, hiking, doubles tennis. Lifetime hardware.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
Calf pain, swelling or warmth (suspect DVT); Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (suspect PE); Wound drainage, fever >38.5°C, or spreading erythema (suspect SSI); Sudden severe knee pain with audible pop (suspect mechanical complication). Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

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