You will begin physiotherapy as soon as possible as it is important to start moving your new knee to promote good blood flow, to regain movement, muscle strength and to help the recovery process.

You should be out of bed and walking with a Zimmer frame or crutches within 24 hours of your operation. A post-operative x-ray of your knee and blood tests will be obtained.

During your stay in hospital you will practice how to get in and out of bed safely and how to get into and out of a seated position. You will walk using a Zimmer frame or crutches for support and will be assessed on climbing and descending stairs.

On average patients remain in hospital for 3-4 days after a total knee replacement. There are no rules to this – you may go home earlier or later depending on when you are ready and everyone, including you, are happy for you to be discharged.