{
  "name": "Steady recovery claims — Total knee replacement",
  "procedure": "Total knee replacement",
  "bodyRegion": "knee",
  "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
  "attribution": "Steady — https://growsteady.me/recovery-data. Free to quote and reuse with a link back.",
  "schemaUrl": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/claims.json",
  "disclaimer": "Published cohort data. Not medical advice, not a prediction for an individual, and not a substitute for a surgeon or clinician.",
  "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05",
  "count": 14,
  "claims": [
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:pain:week-0",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "pain",
      "topic": "pain",
      "question": "What is typical pain at week 0 after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": null,
      "answer": "At week 0 after Total knee replacement, typical reported pain is 6 out of 10, within a reported band of 4 to 8. This describes a group of patients, not one person.",
      "weekStart": 0,
      "weekEnd": 0,
      "basis": "measured",
      "pain": {
        "low": 4,
        "typical": 6,
        "high": 8,
        "scale": "VAS/NRS 0-10; POD0"
      },
      "source": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399043/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:pain:week-1",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "pain",
      "topic": "pain",
      "question": "What is typical pain at week 1 after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": null,
      "answer": "At week 1 after Total knee replacement, typical reported pain is 4.7 out of 10, within a reported band of 3.5 to 6.5. This describes a group of patients, not one person.",
      "weekStart": 1,
      "weekEnd": 1,
      "basis": "measured",
      "pain": {
        "low": 3.5,
        "typical": 4.7,
        "high": 6.5,
        "scale": "NRS 0-10; typical = day 8-9 mean ~4.7; band estimated (daily SDs not reported)"
      },
      "source": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9741301/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:pain:week-2",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "pain",
      "topic": "pain",
      "question": "What is typical pain at week 2 after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": null,
      "answer": "At week 2 after Total knee replacement, typical reported pain is 5.4 out of 10, within a reported band of 3 to 7. This describes a group of patients, not one person.",
      "weekStart": 2,
      "weekEnd": 2,
      "basis": "measured",
      "pain": {
        "low": 3,
        "typical": 5.4,
        "high": 7,
        "scale": "VAS 0-10; among people still reporting pain"
      },
      "source": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399043/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:pain:week-26",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "pain",
      "topic": "pain",
      "question": "What is typical pain at week 26 after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": null,
      "answer": "At week 26 after Total knee replacement, typical reported pain is 1 out of 10, within a reported band of 0 to 3.8. This describes a group of patients, not one person.",
      "weekStart": 26,
      "weekEnd": 26,
      "basis": "measured",
      "pain": {
        "low": 0,
        "typical": 1,
        "high": 3.8,
        "scale": "VAS 0-10 at 6 months; ~86% report little/no pain (median ~0-1); among the ~14% still symptomatic the mean is 3.8 +/- 2.7, which drives the high band"
      },
      "source": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399043/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:milestone:hospital-discharge",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "milestone",
      "topic": "milestone",
      "question": "When is \"Hospital discharge\" typical after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Hospital discharge",
      "answer": "After Total knee replacement, \"Hospital discharge\" is typically reached around week 0.3. Reported range: Usually 1-3 days. This one is a clinical judgement call, not a fixed date — it depends on your surgeon's clearance.",
      "weekStart": 0.3,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:milestone:off-crutches-or-cane-walking-unaided",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "milestone",
      "topic": "milestone",
      "question": "When is \"Off crutches or cane / walking unaided\" typical after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Off crutches or cane / walking unaided",
      "answer": "After Total knee replacement, \"Off crutches or cane / walking unaided\" is typically reached around week 6. Reported range: Around 6 weeks. This one is a clinical judgement call, not a fixed date — it depends on your surgeon's clearance.",
      "weekStart": 6,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:milestone:driving-resumed",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "milestone",
      "topic": "milestone",
      "question": "When is \"Driving resumed\" typical after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Driving resumed",
      "answer": "After Total knee replacement, \"Driving resumed\" is typically reached around week 6. Reported range: About 6 weeks for total knee. This one is a clinical judgement call, not a fixed date — it depends on your surgeon's clearance.",
      "weekStart": 6,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:milestone:strength-gate-80-of-non-operative-limb",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "milestone",
      "topic": "milestone",
      "question": "When is \"Strength gate >=80% of non-operative limb\" typical after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Strength gate >=80% of non-operative limb",
      "answer": "After Total knee replacement, \"Strength gate >=80% of non-operative limb\" is typically reached around week 10. Reported range: 8-12 weeks. This one is a clinical judgement call, not a fixed date — it depends on your surgeon's clearance.",
      "weekStart": 10,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-total-knee-arthroplasty.pdf",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:milestone:return-to-work",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "milestone",
      "topic": "milestone",
      "question": "When is \"Return to work\" typical after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Return to work",
      "answer": "After Total knee replacement, \"Return to work\" is typically reached around week 11. Reported range: 6-12 weeks sedentary; 3-6 months for physical labor. This one is a clinical judgement call, not a fixed date — it depends on your surgeon's clearance.",
      "weekStart": 11,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37499045/",
      "sourceNote": null,
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:phase:week-0-1",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "finding",
      "topic": "phase",
      "question": "What is normal at this stage after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Home within days",
      "answer": "Most people leave hospital 1 to 3 days after the operation, walking with a frame or crutches from day one.",
      "weekStart": 0,
      "weekEnd": 1,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": "NHS knee replacement recovery guidance",
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:phase:week-5-7",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "finding",
      "topic": "phase",
      "question": "What is normal at this stage after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Walking unaided, driving again",
      "answer": "Around week 6, most guidance supports trying to walk without an aid — and waiting at least 6 weeks before driving after a total knee replacement.",
      "weekStart": 5,
      "weekEnd": 7,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": "NHS knee replacement recovery guidance",
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:phase:week-8-12",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "finding",
      "topic": "phase",
      "question": "What is normal at this stage after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "The strength gate",
      "answer": "Advanced rehab (weeks 8-12) targets near-normal strength — at least 80% of the non-operated leg — before higher-demand activity. It's a measured gate, not a feeling.",
      "weekStart": 8,
      "weekEnd": 12,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/physical-therapy/rehabilitation-protocol-for-total-knee-arthroplasty.pdf",
      "sourceNote": "Mass General Brigham TKA protocol",
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:phase:week-2-4",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "finding",
      "topic": "phase",
      "question": "What is normal at this stage after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "Stitches out, swelling still settling",
      "answer": "Clips or stitches usually come out around ten days after a knee replacement, and NHS guidance notes that swelling and bruising can last for several weeks while bend and straightening slowly improve. Weeks two to four are a working-through phase, not a finished one.",
      "weekStart": 2,
      "weekEnd": 4,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/knee-replacement/recovery/",
      "sourceNote": "NHS knee replacement recovery guidance",
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    },
    {
      "id": "total-knee-replacement:phase:week-13-on",
      "procedure": "total-knee-replacement",
      "procedureName": "Total knee replacement",
      "bodyRegion": "knee",
      "kind": "finding",
      "topic": "phase",
      "question": "What is normal at this stage after Total knee replacement?",
      "title": "The long settle through the first year",
      "answer": "By six months, the most-cited mapping cohort found 86 percent of knee-replacement patients were largely pain-free, and improvements in bend, swelling and confidence keep accruing through the first year and beyond. The steep early work is behind most people by three months, but the knee is still settling for many months after that.",
      "weekStart": 13,
      "weekEnd": null,
      "basis": "reported",
      "pain": null,
      "source": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399043/",
      "sourceNote": "Prospective cohort, n=112, pain mapped to six months",
      "tier": "free",
      "url": "https://growsteady.me/recovery-data/total-knee-replacement",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-06-05"
    }
  ]
}