Orthopedic Surgery Recovery: Estimated Time Out of Work

The following table provides a general estimate for orthopedic surgery recovery times, as the exact time cannot be predicted. Much of this is dependent on how your body responds to the surgery, your individual ability to heal, and your tolerance for pain and discomfort after the surgery. If you have questions or concerns about your orthopedic surgery recovery experience, contact Dr. Goradia.

Type of Surgery What to Expect Type of Work You Do
Sedentary Light Medium Heavy
Knee Arthroscopy (ex. removal of torn meniscus, smoothing cartilage) No crutches for most. Walk as tolerated. Therapy for 4 to 6 weeks. 1 to 2 days depending on pain level 7 to 14 days depending on healing and pain level 4 to 6 weeks 2 to 3 months
Knee Ligament Reconstruction (ex. ACL) Brace for 3 to 4 weeks, Crutches for 7 to 10 days (can usually put weight on leg immediately). Therapy for 3 to 4 months. 5 to 7 days 3 to 4 weeks if enough strength to stop using brace. 3 months if job requires pivoting or twisting.  Sooner, if not. 3 to 4 months if enough strength.  Will most likely need sports brace for protection.
Knee Microfracture or Meniscus Repair Brace and crutches for 2 weeks. No weight on leg for 2 weeks. Therapy for 3 to 4 months. 1 to 2 days 6 weeks

3 months if job requires pivoting, squatting or twisting.

Sooner, if not.

 4 months
Knee Osteotomy Brace and crutches for 4 weeks. No weight on leg for 4 weeks. Therapy for 3 to 4 months. 7 to 14 days 6 weeks 3 months Minimum of 4 months
Total or Partial Knee Replacement Outpatient. Weight on leg as tolerated. Start therapy immediately. 2 to 4 weeks 6 to 8 weeks 3-4 months 4-6 months but may not be able to resume same level of activity
Achilles Repair Splint for 1 week. No weight on foot for 1 week. Walk in boot for 4 to 6 weeks. Must be seated work for 6 weeks 2 to 3 months 3 to 4 months
Tennis Elbow Sling for 1 week then begin moving elbow. No Heavy lifting or repetitive use for 6 weeks. 1 to 2 days with minimal use of arm. Occasional lifting of up to 3 pounds at 3 to 4 weeks.  No repetitive movements. 2 to 3 months 3 to 4 months
Shoulder Manipulation/ Arthroscopy (Frozen Shoulder) Start therapy the day after surgery. Exercises at home 6 times a day starting day of surgery. 7 days 3 to 4 weeks without overhead use. 2 months with occasional overhead use. 3-4 months
Rotator Cuff Repair Sling for 24 hours to 6 weeks depending on size of tear and quality of the rotator cuff tissue 7 to 14 days depending on pain level. 6 to 8 weeks.  Occasional lifting 2 to 5 pounds.  No overhead use. 3 to 6 months depending on tear and progress in therapy. 4-6 months
Shoulder Labrum Repair Sling for 3 weeks 7 to 14 days depending on pain level. 6 to 8 weeks.  Occasional lifting 2 to 5 pounds.  No overhead use 3 to 4 months depending on tear and progress in therapy. 4-6 months
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Outpatient. Sling for 24 hours. Therapy for 12 weeks 7 to 14 days depending on pain level. 6 to 8 weeks. Occasional lifting 2 to 5 pounds. No overhead use. 3 to 4 months depending on progress in therapy. 4-6 months
Total Shoulder Replacement Outpatient. Sling for 3-4 weeks.  Therapy for 8 to 12 weeks. 7 to 14 days depending on pain level. 6 to 8 weeks. Occasional lifting 2 to 5 pounds. No overhead use. 3 to 4 months depending on progress in therapy. 4-6 months