In general, total knee replacement patients can expect their day-of-surgery experience to follow this basic routine:

• Arrive at the hospital at the appointed time
• Complete the admission process
• Final pre-surgery assessment of vital signs and general health
• Final meeting with anesthesiologist and operating room nurse
• Start IV (intravenous) catheter for administration of fluids and antibiotics
• Transportation to the operating room
• Knee replacement surgery—lasts about 1 hour
• Transportation to a recovery room
• Ongoing monitoring of vital signs until condition is stabilized
• Transportation to individual hospital room
• Ongoing monitoring of vital signs, surgical dressing
• Orientation to hospital routine
• Evaluation by physical therapist
• Diet of clear liquids or soft foods, as tolerated
• Begin post-op activities taught during pre-op visit

In the days following surgery, your condition and progress will be closely monitored by your surgeon, nurses, and physical therapists. Much time will be given to exercising the new knee, as well as deep breathing exercises to prevent lung congestion. Gradually, pain medication will be reduced, the IV will be removed, diet will progress to solid food, and you will become increasingly mobile. Expect to be discharged within 3 to 4 days.