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Patient Information Guide

Total Knee Replacement
– Patient Guide

Prepared by Dr. Aidin Sadeghilar | Orthopaedic Surgeon 
MBBS, FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA 
Specialising in Hip & Knee Arthroplasty 

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Knee Replacement

Am I a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for total knee replacement if:

  • You experience daily knee pain affecting walking, stairs, or sleep.
  • X-ray shows bone-on-bone osteoarthritis.
  • You have trialled exercise, weight optimisation, medications and injections.
  • You wish to return to meaningful activities with less pain.

Personalised Assessment

Every patient is unique. Dr Aidin Sadeghilar provides comprehensive assessments to determine the best treatment approach for your individual needs

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Why Computer-Navigated
/ Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

Modern technology allows precision alignment of knee components, helping restore natural ligament balance and improving long-term outcomes. Key benefits include:

More Accurate Positioning

Precision alignment of knee components for optimal results

Faster & Safer Mobilisation

Advanced technology enables quicker recovery

Structured Recovery

Clear, evidence-based roadmap to full recovery

Preparing for Surgery

Optimisation before surgery helps reduce complications:

Stay active and follow physiotherapy prehab.

Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.

Stop smoking.

Protect skin from cuts and scratches.

Prepare your home with aids such as shower chair, rails, or raised toilet seat.

Arrange GP review 7–10 days post-surgery.

How Knee Replacement Works

A knee replacement resurfaces damaged cartilage using metal and medical-grade plastic components. The back of the kneecap may also be resurfaced. Surgical steps include:

01

Personalised Surgical Plan

Creating a customised approach tailored to your anatomy

02

Computer Navigation

Using advanced technology for accurate bone cuts

03

Component Placement

Placing components to match the natural shape of your knee

04

Closure

Closing with dissolvable sutures under waterproof dressing

Recovery Timeline

Your journey from surgery to full recovery

Day 0–1

  • Walk with physiotherapist.
  • Begin gentle bending and straightening.
  • Use ice and elevation to reduce swelling.

Days 2–3

  • This is normally the hardest period.
  • Expect increased swelling and temporary muscle shutdown.
  • Continue gentle mobility.

Days 4–7

  • Movement becomes easier.
  • Aim for approximately 90° bend and full knee extension.

Week 2

  • Physiotherapy and GP review.
  • Wound dressings can be removed after day 14 if instructed.

Weeks 3–6

  • Specialist or wound-nurse review.
  • Many patients feel better than before surgery by week 6.
  • May resume driving if safe.

6–12 Weeks

  • Strength and confidence improve.
  • Mild swelling or warmth is still normal.

Pain & Swelling Management

Pain & Swelling Management

Medication Plan
  • Paracetamol regularly
  • Anti-inflammatories (Celebrex or Voltaren) for ~1 week
  • Short-term stronger relief (Palexia or Endone) if required
Non-Medication Strategies
  • Ice packs or cooling machine
  • Elevation on a Braun flexion pillow
  • Compression stockings

Important Reminder

Avoid over-exercising — a calm knee is a happy knee.

Balance activity with rest to optimize your recovery and minimize swelling.

Exercises After Surgery

Early exercises include:

  • Knee extension: standing extension and towel-under-ankle stretch.
  • Knee flexion: heel slides and seated knee-bend stretch.
  • Functional strengthening: sit-to-stand, heel raises, squats and step-ups.
  • Cycling and hydrotherapy may begin once the wound is fully healed (usually after day 14).

Physiotherapy will guide progression based on comfort and mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Around 90 minutes for one knee.

Most patients go home in 1–3 days.

Over 90% last more than 20 years.

Usually around 4 weeks, depending on mobility and medication.

Possibly, and this is normal — no documentation is required.