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 Your
Knee Replacement Surgery |
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| You will most likely
arrive at the hospital on the morning of surgery.
In many cases, pre-op tests are done days or even
weeks ahead of time. Follow all of your surgeon's
instructions on preparing for surgery. When you
arrive, you'll be given forms to fill out. You may
also talk with the anesthesiologist (the doctor
who gives the anesthesia), if you haven't done so
already. It's normal to feel a little nervous. But
rest assured : This is a common surgery that tends
to have very good results. |
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| Preparing
for Surgery |
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| You will be told when
to stop eating and drinking before surgery. If you
take a daily medication, ask if you should still
take it the morning of surgery. At the hospital,
your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure
will be checked. An IV (intravenous) line will be
started to provide fluids and medications needed
during surgery. |
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| Preparing
the Bone |
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| All of the bone surfaces
of the joint are shaped to hold the prosthesis.
Then the parts of the prosthesis are put in place.
At this point, your surgeon tests the fit and alignment
of the prosthesis. |
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| Joining
the New Parts |
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| If the prosthesis fits
correctly, its parts are secured to the thighbone,
kneecap, and shinbone. Then these parts are joined.
Together they form the new joint. |
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| The
Surgical Procedure |
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| When the surgical team
is ready, you'll be taken to the operating room.
There you'll be given anesthesia. The anesthesia
will make you numb from the waist down. Then an
incision is made on the front of your knee. Any
damaged bone is cleaned away, and the new joint
is put into place. The incision is closed with staples. |
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| Your
Hospital Stay |
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| You'll be moved to your
room when you are awake. By then your family or
a friend will be able to join you. You can expect
to feel some pain. Soon after surgery, specially
trained therapists will start working with you.
For the quickest, safest recovery, practice what
they teach you. |
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| Special
Therapies |
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| During your hospital
stay, you'll learn skills that will help you return
to normal life. You will be shown how to strengthen
your leg, walk, and clear your lungs. To make moving
easier, ask for pain medication before your physical
therapy (PT) sessions. |
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| Gaining
Strength |
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| Your PT program is likely
to start with gentle exercises. You may be shown
ways to increase blood flow and control swelling.
Working the quadriceps muscles (in the front of
your thigh) builds leg strength. This helps protect
your new joint by keeping the knee more stable.
Exercises also help you bear weight without pain
a goal you can work toward. |
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| Walking
Again |
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| You may begin to stand
and walk within hours after surgery. A physical
therapist will help you. You will be taught how
much weight. if any, to bear on your new joint.
With practice, you'll soon be able to walk with
just the aid of a walker. |
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| Clearing
Your Lungs |
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| Fluids can collect in
the lungs after surgery. To avoid pneumonia, breathe
deeply and cough. You should do this often, a few
times an hour, at least. |
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| During
Your Recovery |
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| Whether you're recovering
at home or in a rehabilitation facility, you need
to protect your new knee. Practice your exercise.
Those shown here help build strength and increase
range of motion. For the best recovery, avoid risky
moves and seek your surgeon for scheduled follow-up
visits. Return to activity slowly, and don't be
surprised if your new joint feels a little stiff
at first. |
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| Build
Muscle Strength |
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Strong thigh muscles reduce the amount of force
placed on your knee. This helps the joint last longer. |
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| Quad
Set |
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- Sit against the head of a bed. Place the leg
with the new joint straight out in front of
you.
- Tighten the front leg muscles, which pull
the kneecap toward your thigh. Then press the
back of your leg toward the ground.
- Hold for a count of 5. Repeat as directed.
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| Improve
Joint Motion |
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| Range-of-motion exercises
help your new knee bend more smoothly. Practice
flexing and extending your knee as you were taught. |
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| Sitting
Knee Bends |
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- Sit in a chair with a towel under the new
knee joint.
- Straighten your leg as much as you can. Hold
for a count of 5.
- Then bend your leg back as far as you can.
Hold for a count of 5.
- Repeat as directed.
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| See
Your Surgeon |
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| Post-op visits allow
the surgeon to make sure your knee is healing well.
Sutures or staples are often taken out 2 weeks after
surgery. |
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When
to Call Your Surgeon |
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- Call your surgeon if you have any of the symptoms
below :
- An increase in knee pain
- Excessive pain or swelling in a calf or leg
- Unusual redness, heat, or drainage at the
incision site.
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Fever over 101°F
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| Avoiding
Risky Moves |
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- Some movements put too much strain on the
new joint. This could causes the prosthesis
to wear out more quickly. Protect your new joint
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- Do not twist knee, as can
happen when you turn your body without moving
your feet.
- Do not perform high-impact
activities, such as running, jumping, race walking,
or playing basketball.
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| Returning
to Activity |
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| To build strength, practice
walking every day. Try to do more each week. But
be aware that some days your feet will feel better
than others. You may be ready to drive or return
to a desk job about a month after surgery. If you
do more active work, you may need to wait 3 or 4
months before going back. Total knee replacement
is a major surgery, so don't be surprised if it
takes a few months before you feel really good. |
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