In Episode 16 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle explains how surgical incisions heal after knee replacement — from the healing ridge to safe showering and scar massage. She discusses drainage signs, modern closure options like medical-grade adhesives and wound VACs, silicone gels, collagen supplementation research. You’ll come away knowing what’s normal, when to call your surgeon, and how to protect your skin for steady, confident recovery. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Collagen Gummies https://amzn.to/3KXnA0x. Organic Collagen Peptide Powder https://amzn.to/43qcuYf. Free Up Professional Massage Cream (what we use in the clinic) https://amzn.to/3WTsK05. Medical Grade Silicone Scar Sheets https://amzn.to/47mg0nH

Medical Disclaimer. The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or care. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast is not affiliated with Michelle’s clinic or teaching roles.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a product link in my show notes or at TotalKneeSuccess.com and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the podcast and allow me to keep creating free, evidence-based content. I only share products that are commonly recommended for knee replacement and that patients have found helpful.

References

Jacobson ME, et al. Nerve injury during total knee arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007;464:135-140. doi:10.1097/BLO.0b013e31812f7c2c

Kerver AL, Leliefeld PH, den Hartog D, Kleinrensink GJ. The surgical anatomy of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. J Anat. 2013;222(3):328-335. doi:10.1111/joa.12024

Hartin NL, et al. Wound dehiscence following total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2020;35(12):3647-3653. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2020.07.008

Lee J, et al. Modern wound closure techniques in total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022;17(1):471. doi:10.1186/s13018-022-03328-3

Anderson MJ, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from surgical adhesives and dressings. Dermatitis. 2014;25(1):15-20. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000005

Wilke BK, et al. Skin adhesives versus staples for wound closure after knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2021;36(7):2452-2459. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2021.03.034

In episode 15 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we take a close look at what really happens to the kneecap during total knee replacement. You’ll learn how surgeons decide whether to resurface the patella, how the small “button” fits on the underside of your own bone, and what the research shows about long-term outcomes. We also cover how ligaments like the ACL, PCL, and collateral ligaments are treated during surgery, and why it’s worth reviewing your surgical report or asking your surgeon exactly what was done. This episode brings clarity to one of the most common — and most misunderstood — aspects of total knee replacement.

Learn more at TotalKneeSuccess.com

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Medical Disclaimer The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with questions about your specific condition.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a product link in the show notes or at TotalKneeSuccess.com and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions support the podcast and allow me to continue sharing free, evidence-based content.

References

1. Chen K, Li G, Fu D, Yuan C, Zhang Q, Cai Z. Patellar resurfacing versus nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2013;8:10.
2. Fu D, Chen K, Li G, et al. Patellar resurfacing versus nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(2):666–673.
3. Wood DJ, Smith AJ, Collopy D, White B, Brankov B, Bulsara MK. Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(10):2176–2181.
4. He JY, Jiang LS, Dai LY. The influence of patellar mobility on knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(2):222–227.
5. Chen X, Li J, Peng L, et al. Patellar resurfacing versus non-resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a Cochrane systematic review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;1:CD009898.
6. Fu D, Chen K, Li G, et al. Long-term outcomes of patellar resurfacing vs nonresurfacing in TKA. J Arthroplasty. 2020;35(5):1463–1470.
7. Stürmer KM, et al. Patellar complications following TKA with or without resurfacing: registry-based analysis. Orthopaedics. 2019.
8. Kim TK, et al. Patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty: update on causes and management. Knee Surg Relat Res. 2022;34:32.
9. Feller JA, Bartlett RJ, Lang DM. Patellar resurfacing versus retention in total knee arthroplasty: ten-year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2020;102-B(5):593–599.

In Episode 14 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we explore how to safely and confidently master stair climbing after knee replacement. You’ll learn how to use rails and canes correctly, understand why descending often feels harder, and hear how research links stair ability with long-term mobility and independence. The episode blends practical safety reminders — including therapist supervision and home setup tips — with evidence-based encouragement to help you build both strength and confidence step by step.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The REHAND Walking Cane is foldable, adjustable, and lightweight. It stands on its own, which is convenient because you won’t have to hang it on anything when you need to let go. It is suitable for people ranging from approximately 5 feet 2 inches to over 6 feet tall. To determine the appropriate cane height for you, measure the distance from your wrist to the floor. Check the adjustment heights in the description; if this distance is between 31 and 38 inches, then this cane might be a good fit for you.

The Homeland Foldable Rollator walker with seat is sturdier than most traditional four-wheeled walkers. It features 8-inch wheels and has adjustable handle and seat heights.

Learn more at TotalKneeSuccess.com

Medical Disclaimer The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or care.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a product link in the show notes or at TotalKneeSuccess.com and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the podcast and allow me to keep creating free, evidence-based content.

References

1. Bade MJ, Kohrt WM, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty compared to healthy adults. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(9):559-567.
2. Mizner RL, Petterson SC, Snyder-Mackler L. Quadriceps strength and the time course of functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35(7):424-436.
3. Stratford PW, Kennedy DM. Performance measures of functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2006;86(12):1631-1638.
4. Bade MJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Early high-intensity rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty improves outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(12):932-941.
5. Eves ND, Plotnikoff RC. Stair climbing as a health-promoting physical activity for adults: a review. Sports Med. 2006;36(9):871–879.
6. Bade MJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Step training improves functional mobility in TKA patients. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(12):932-941.
7. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Kohrt WM, Eckhoff DG. Quadriceps and hamstrings muscle dysfunction after TKA: eccentric training intervention. J Orthop Res. 2010;28(9):1091-1096.