»  After the operation you will be in the Recovery Room for about half an hour. You may wake up feeling groggy. You will be given pain medications. Your nurses also coach you with coughing and deep breathing exercises to help clear your lungs and prevent post-operative complications. The surgical drain is removed the following day. A urinary catheter is necessary for a at least 24 hours after the operation.

» Once you are fully recovered from the anaesthetic you will be transferred to your hospital room.

»  Once you are back in your room, the goal for the rest of your hospital stay is to begin walking again before you go home.

» In the first 24 hrs, you are encouraged to keep active in bed. You should wriggle your toes and exercise your calves to improve circulation in the leg and to prevent clot formation. You should start straight leg raising exercises and work to straightern your knee. You may sit up if you wish. You are free to move around in bed.

» The day after the surgery you will start “Drop and Dangle” exercises to get the knee bending. Your physiotherapist will see you to start you on these exercises. You may get up, out of bed (with assistance) on crutches, or a frame if you wish. You start walking by taking a few steps at a time and increase the duration of walking over the next few days.

» You should aim to be able to move in and out of bed, walk on crutches and manage steps before you leave the hospital. You should be capable of bending the knee to at least 90 degrees and fully straighten the knee before discharge.