Articles about surgery and recovery.
As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur. The most common complications following knee replacement are: thrombophlebitis, Infection in the joint, stiffness of the joint, and loosening of the joint.
The purpose of a knee replacement is to replace a diseased or damaged knee to restore pain-free movement in the joint. The surgery involves the bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and bursa that form the knee. You can expect complete healing without complications and recovery from surgery in about 6 months.
When you go for surgery, ask a family member or friend to go with you. Even when you are going for pre-admission, it’s a good idea to have someone with you. They can listen and take notes for you — or do some of the walking if that’s what you need! Be sure to give your family or friend plenty of notice about your upcoming tests and surgery.
Thousands of Total Knee Replacement booklets are purchased by hospitals and pediatricians across the U.S. to give to their patients. It is used in knee replacement preparation classes and nurse educators. Because hospital and health care budgets are shrinking, Media Partners has decided to make the information available online. We hope it helps with tight education budgets!
Knee Replacement Recovery Time Table Below is a general time frame for surgery and recovery from knee replacement. Depending on your overall health, your recovery time may be different. Day 1 – Surgery and begin using continuous passive motion machine Day 2 – Eat a regular diet Day 4 – Get out of bed with … Read more
Your main goals right after surgery are to get used to the feel of your new knee joint and to prepare yourself for living with your new knee. To do this, you must regain the normal movement of your knee without damaging your new joint before its muscles are strong enough to control it. Bending … Read more
Surgery is only half the battle of getting a new knee joint — the other half is physical therapy. A physical therapist will work with you daily on getting out of bed and walking. It is very important that you get out of the bed as early as the day after surgery. The therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your knee and leg. Exercise also helps blood circulation and prevents pressure sores. Your participation in the therapy sessions and exercises is a very important part of your recovery. You will begin the exercises in the hospital and continue them once you get home.
Knee replacement surgery is usually scheduled weeks in advance. Use this time wisely. There is a lot you can do before surgery to make sure your recovery at home goes smoothly.
Your surgeon will ask you to sign a surgical consent form. This form is a legal paper that says your surgeon has told you about your surgery and any risks you will be taking by having the surgery. By signing this form, you are saying that you understand the risks and agree to have the surgery. Ask your surgeon about any concerns you have before you sign this form.
This booklet will answer general questions about your surgery and hopefully put some of your fears to rest. Share this booklet with your family. It explains what will happen before, during, and after knee replacement surgery. But, it cannot answer all of the questions you might have about your own knee problem and the treatment of it. Your surgeon can answer any questions you and your family still have after reading this booklet.