Well done Josephine, sounds as if it went well. Here in Switzerland with the knees I've seen you wouldn't be allowed to go down stairs normally so soon. The aim is 90° flexion before going home, increasing to 110° /120° afterwards. Depending in the state of muscles and proprioception getting rid of elbow crutches at 4-6 weeks post op. The beginning of closed chain weightbearing exercises in flexion (in standing) is after the 6 week check up and then starting only to 40°, first with both legs then later on to single leg flexion. This is due to the tuberositas tibiae being removed then screwed on again. Sport is advised after the 4 month check up. I?m sure there are differences due to type of Knee, surgeons skills etc etc, you know more about it having worked in OP I'm sure.
What did you do between december and march ? Although you say you are a couch potato you are certainly not an average one because of your previous working life. A head start in information like we have is not the same as the general public. Did you have physio pre-op? The point I was making has to do with the fact that it's difficult to improve something that has got so far that a replacement has to take place. Pain inhibition, secondary inflammation due to cartilage destruction etc etc will often make it impossible even to maintain strength and mobility at some stage pre-op. If physio interventions on outpatient basis can help somewhat in the downwards spiral of function leading up to the OP date OK, keep on. Otherwise it can be rather a waste of time and resources. Some bright patients will have learnt enough about exercising to be able to continue some sort of home exercise-programm themselves when, for example gym work is no longer possible. Others may need supervision to avoid even worse contractures before the OP
Ontogenese said:
"I am interested in what you people think about preoperative care by physiotherapists in an ortopedic setting"
Where are you Ontogenese??
Good luck in the gym Josephine. My mother in law got back to riding the bike (outside)after bilateral knees at over 75!