At the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting, Brian P. Chalmers, MD, hip and knee surgeon at HSS, presented new data showing that a “quiet knee” rehabilitation protocol—emphasizing limited early motion, reduced ambulation and aggressive cryotherapy—may significantly decrease opioid use after total knee arthroplasty without compromising range of motion or increasing the need for manipulation under anesthesia. In a review of more than 800 primary TKA cases from 2020 to 2024, patients following the quiet knee approach used fewer opioids both in the hospital and after discharge compared with those undergoing traditional early-motion therapy. Dr. Chalmers noted that these early results suggest a potential shift in postoperative rehabilitation practices.

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