Current evidence suggests waiting at least 12 months before returning to competitive sports, as the graft continues to mature even beyond this point. Completing a structured return-to-play protocol tailored to your specific sport is crucial. Keep in mind that even after 12 months, adequate rehabilitation is necessary to ensure you are physically ready and minimize the risk of reinjury.

Recovering the ability to drive safely after knee replacement surgery typically takes several weeks, as it depends on regaining confidence, mobility, and strength. The timeline varies depending on whether it’s your right or left knee and if your car is automatic or manual. Most patients are able to resume driving around six weeks post-surgery. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure you can safely perform an emergency stop and maintain full control of the vehicle before returning to driving.

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days following a total knee replacement. The exact length of stay depends on factors such as your overall health, recovery progress, pain management, and mobility. Increasingly some patients are being discharged on the same day if they meet specific recovery criteria and have adequate support at home.

Almost ever procedure on a child’s knee should aim to have a minimal impact on school absence. If your child can safely travel to school and access toilet facilities, they can typically return within 48 hours after surgery.

X-rays are particularly useful for long-term monitoring and assessing disease progression. Unlike MRIs, X-rays can be taken while standing or in various degrees of knee flexion, providing valuable insights into how your knee functions during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair. MRI is best for looking at the soft tissues in and around the knee.

Physical education (PE) plays a key role in promoting children’s health and social connections. If your child cannot fully participate in certain activities due to their knee injury, it’s important to work with the school to implement reasonable adjustments. This way, they can safely engage in modified physical training appropriate for their recovery.

Pain relief medications may have side effects, but it is crucial to continue taking them in the early weeks after surgery. This ensures you can complete your rehabilitation exercises effectively. If moving your knee is painful, it’s better to take pain relief and keep the knee moving rather than avoiding movement. This approach helps prevent post-operative stiffness and aids in recovery.