What happens right after the procedure?

After the surgery, the person will be taken to the surgery recovery room to be watched closely for a short time. Vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be checked frequently. Close attention will be paid to the circulation and sensation in the legs and feet. The person will receive intravenous fluids to replace those lost during surgery. There may be a tube near the incision to drain fluid. There may also be a catheter to drain the urine until the person is able to use the bathroom. Pain medication will be available.

A continuous passive motion machine , or CPM, is often applied to the leg after surgery. This is used to gently bend and straighten the knee. That way, the range of motion is increased, and there is not as much stiffness.

While in the hospital the person will have physical therapy to learn exercises to strengthen the knee. The person will start bearing weight on the knee, using a walker, the first day after surgery. He or she will also be taught how to use crutches and how to climb stairs at home. Most people are discharged from the hospital 4 to 6 days after the operation.