A new study from New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery suggests that a conservative recovery method, known as the “quiet knee” protocol, may improve outcomes after total knee replacement.
The retrospective analysis reviewed more than 270 patients who followed the quiet knee method between 2020 and 2024. The protocol limits activity and emphasizes rest, ice and gentle movement for the first 10 days after surgery — a shift from traditional rehabilitation programs that push for early, aggressive motion, according to an Oct. 24 system news release.
Researchers found that the approach reduced inflammation and swelling, leading to smoother recovery and a 25% drop in opioid use within 90 days.
