Rehabilitation
With CARTICEL, rehabilitation begins within hours after surgery. Every patient and injury is different, so everyone progresses through rehabilitation at a different pace. However, for all patients, rehabilitation is vital to a successful outcome with CARTICEL.
Remember, all surgical procedures have recovery time involved. Following your rehabilitation protocol is an investment in yourself and your future ability. No matter what kind of rehabilitation your doctor prescribes for you, it’s important to follow it exactly.
Post-Surgery Follow-up
Most surgeons will require routine follow-up visits, generally at 2, 4, and/or 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Leg Brace
Your doctor may recommend you wear a leg brace for the first two to four weeks—even while you sleep. Bracing your leg protects it from movements that might injure your knee, including twisting and turning. You should take it off only when you are using the CPM (continuous passive motion) machine or during other physical therapy.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor will send you home with specific physical therapy exercises, lists of dos and don’ts, and crutches. You may also receive a CPM machine, which helps restore motion to your knee.
Pain Management
The first week after surgery is usually the most uncomfortable; your doctor will discuss your individual pain management with you in more detail. After the first week, medication may be only necessary before physical therapy exercises and at bedtime.
Normal Activity
While the length of your recovery depends on many factors, most patients can perform normal activities like walking or driving relatively quickly. How soon you can return to work or other activities depends on how much stress those activities place on your healing knee. Patients may return to various sport activities as progression in rehabilitation and cartilage healing allows.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Off crutches by 8-9 week
- Walk 1 to 2 miles or bike for 30 minutes by 12 weeks.
- Low impact sports (swimming, skating, in-line skating and cycling) at 6 months
- High-impact sports (jogging, running, aerobics) at 8-9 months
- High-impact pivoting sports (tennis, basketball, football, baseball) at 12-18 months
Individual results may vary. Many patients are able to participate in sports with some limitations.