In medical parlance, I’m “PO83,” which stands for “post-op 83,” and which means it’s 83 days after I had my total knee replacement (TKR).
I haven’t been obsessing over what’s referred to as my extension (how flat I can get my knee) and flexion (how much I can bend my knee), which are two very important things to monitor after a TKR.
I was “released” from physical therapy (PT) on December 10, 2021, when I reached a flexion of 120. I’ve worked harder at PT at home than I did when I was going to the Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic to do it.
According to “the literature,” a completely straight knee joint will measure 0° and a fully bent knee will have a flexion of at least 135°. If you’ve had a knee replacement, your physician may look for a knee extension close to 0° and a flexion in the 125-135° range to consider you fully recovered.
| Degrees used doing everyday activities |
| 65° to walk |
| 70° pick an object off the ground |
| 85° to climb up stairs |
| 95° to stand from a sitting position |
| 105° to tie shoelaces |
| 115° (or greater) to squat or sit cross-legged |
| 125°+ covers most activities. However, squatting or sitting on your heel may always prove challenging. (Note: I don’t think I’ve ever sat on my heels in my life, nor do I want to.) |
I measured today, and my extension is at 0° and my flexion is at 137°. I’m calling it a win.
Yay!
Thanks! ♥