Knee Recovery Timeline After Surgery
The typical recovery time for a knee after surgery is between 2 to 6 weeks, during which patients may experience pain, swelling, and limited function. 1
General Recovery Timeline
- Most patients cannot bear full weight on the operated leg for the first 2-7 days after surgery and may need crutches 1
- By 1 week post-surgery, 82% of patients can return to light activities such as walking, housework, or yard work 2
- By 2 weeks, 94% of patients can perform light activities, with 100% achieving this milestone by 4 weeks 2
- Most patients have no knee-related activity restrictions by 4 weeks after arthroscopic surgery 2
Return to Normal Activities
- Return to work depends on the speed of recovery and job demands 1:
- Driving is typically limited for about 1-3 weeks after the procedure 1
- Strenuous activities should be avoided during recovery and reintroduced gradually as comfort permits from 2-6 weeks onward 1
Pain and Function Improvement
- Most improvement in pain and function occurs within the first 3 months following knee surgery 3
- After the initial 3-month period, the rate of improvement typically plateaus with minimal significant changes thereafter 3
- For range of motion specifically, improvements typically reach a plateau by 12 months after total knee arthroplasty 4
Factors That May Prolong Recovery
- Preoperative factors: Valgus deformity of the knee, pulmonary infection, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (3/4) 5
- Postoperative factors: Elevated inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP), higher pain scores, wound complications, and delayed achievement of 90° active knee flexion 5
- Patients with more severe preoperative symptoms may not "catch up" to those with less severe symptoms even 12 months after knee surgery 3
Important Considerations
- Recovery from knee arthroplasty typically shows less improvement in pain and function compared to hip arthroplasty, though both procedures lead to similar improvements in quality of life, mood, and subjective health 6
- Physiotherapy and proper wound care are essential components that facilitate recovery 1
- Follow-up care is individualized, with regular assessment of progress and adjustment of rehabilitation protocols as needed 7