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What Is The Recovery Period After Knee Replacement?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Apr 2017
Question: Mom did a knee replacement 6 Feb 2017 after surgery physio tore a ligament in the knee. Also the wound does not want to heal because the tissue is non viable and this is the second time the wound got infected and needed to be surgically cleaned. Doc says he cannot do anything but keep cleaning it and hope for the wound to heal and a few months from now do an operation to fix the ligament. Doesn't make sense please help.
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is advisable to wait for the infection to heal. Continue dressing.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. It is an unfortunate event. In case wound infection occurs, it may often create a bothersome situation and the infection might have a propensity to return again and again. The only option is proper dressing / cleaning and your doctor is right about the same. There is no shortcut here.

Coming to the issue of the ligament being torn, that is an equally unfortunate event. Since the pliability of the knee is not "normal" it is unwise to blame the physical therapist for not being able to assess the limits of the range of movement. Since the ligament is already torn, it needs to be eventually fixed. However, if a delay is permissible (ask your doctor), I would insist on waiting for the infection to go away. This is important.

I understand that it might take a few months for the infection to heal completely.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Is The Recovery Period After Knee Replacement?

Brief Answer: It is advisable to wait for the infection to heal. Continue dressing. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. It is an unfortunate event. In case wound infection occurs, it may often create a bothersome situation and the infection might have a propensity to return again and again. The only option is proper dressing / cleaning and your doctor is right about the same. There is no shortcut here. Coming to the issue of the ligament being torn, that is an equally unfortunate event. Since the pliability of the knee is not "normal" it is unwise to blame the physical therapist for not being able to assess the limits of the range of movement. Since the ligament is already torn, it needs to be eventually fixed. However, if a delay is permissible (ask your doctor), I would insist on waiting for the infection to go away. This is important. I understand that it might take a few months for the infection to heal completely. Let me know if I could help further. Regards