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Extension to 0 after TKR

Posted by marged @marged, Dec 1, 2023

Hi! I’m wondering if anyone had 0 degree extension following TKR (robotic) on a knee that was severely damaged? My Lt knee hasn’t been able get to 0 degree extension for 4-5 yrs. I had my RTKR 2 yrs ago since it was more painful but less severelydamaged. I was at 0 when I completed PT at 6weeks.
This time, I’m seeing a new PT office (but same surgeon) & I’m 2weeks post-op, I’m at 4degree extension. Therapist feels I should be closer to 0. Also, this leg has had multiple blood clots from groin-ankle approx 1 yr ago. I tried to remain active w/ daily walks, stationary biking, walking 18 holes etc.
Dr said i was doing a good job w/ mobility & is going to take time.
Obviously, 0 degree is my goal, I’m working at it & I hope to start water aerobics soon. Just wondering what others have experienced or tips to help w/ extension.
Thank you!!

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paulsk | @paulsk | Dec 10, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Good for you Paul! I hope things are going well. The first two weeks are the..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Good for you Paul! I hope things are going well. The first two weeks are the hardest, but it's still important to keep up with the at-home exercises from the PT.

One way to look at recovery, the knee is stiff and it hurst to extend/flex, but it gets a little better each day. That wasn't the case prior to surgery.

Stick with it!!!!!! All the best Paul!

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Thanks for the support! Right now I'm hoping for swelling to keep going down.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @dar23 "Hello I am 69 and had tkr 7 weeks ago Tuesday will be 8 weeks. To..." + (show)
@dar23

Hello I am 69 and had tkr 7 weeks ago Tuesday will be 8 weeks. To get your extension at 0, every hour sit on a chair where you can prop your foot up on a coffee table. Keep your leg straight You can put a pillow under your ankle. Do not put anything under your knee. You can put an ice pack on your knee . Keep your leg straight, toes pointed to the ceiling. Watch something on tv that you enjoy. Try to keep it in this position for 10 minutes and add to your time as you can tolerate it. I couldn’t do it very long the first week, but it helped tremendously. Another exercise that helps you can lay in bed. Straighten your leg. Point your toes to the ceiling. Dig your heal into the bed, pushing your knee down with your muscles, and hold for a count of 5. Try to do a set of 10. If you can do them again in an hour do them. My knee felt tight and I was afraid to hurt it a first. You won’t hurt it. I also found that if I iced my knee prior to exercising, I did much better. Keep these exercises up and you will have extension at 0. I achieved it during my first week and continue to have it . I only do these exercises once a day now. The heel digs I do now are 2 sets of 10 once a day! Of course I am doing more exercises now for my ex, which is at 128 now. My other leg has an extension of 140 and it needs a knee replacement. I am working the the knee to achieve 140 extension on it .
The recovery is long for this surgery, but if you stick with your exercises, you will benefit and move on to to the next challenge. Best wishes!

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Those are some great numbers. Flexion of 128 degrees is very good after a TKR.

I think extension is when the knee is straight, and flexion is measured when the knee is bent.

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1 reply
dar23 | @dar23 | Dec 12, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Those are some great numbers. Flexion of 128 degrees is very good after a TKR. I..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Those are some great numbers. Flexion of 128 degrees is very good after a TKR.

I think extension is when the knee is straight, and flexion is measured when the knee is bent.

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You have the terminology correct. Extension is when the knee is straight and flexion is when the knee is bent .

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