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Knee
Replacement Surgery - Making Preparations for Surgery |
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Medical Evaluations
Before
surgery, your doctor needs to understand your overall health
status. You will be evaluated in several ways. |
| Complete
Medical Evaluation |
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Your
doctor will take your health history, an inventory of medications
you now take, and will administer a total physical. X-ray
images will be taken of your knee that help the surgeon plan
your surgery. Some patients will also need chest X-rays, ECGs
and other tests to ensure they are strong enough for surgery
and recovery. |
| Preliminary
lab work |
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As
part of your pre admission process, you will need to undergo
routine
lab work. Your physician’s nurse can explain what
each test is and why you need it. |
| Donate your
own blood |
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You may be
asked to donate some blood to have on hand in case you need it
during surgery. Some patients cannot donate their own blood.
In these cases, using pre-screened blood bank blood is recommended. |
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Getting
your Home Ready
To
make your life easier post-operatively, it pays to think
ahead about how to adapt your home environment for safety
and greater efficiency. Here are some tips that can help:
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| Arrange
for help now |
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You
won’t be able to drive immediately after surgery.
This means you will need the assistance of some who can
drive you to your follow-up doctor’s appointments,
as well as help you with shopping and errands. Try to
line up this person’s assistance now.
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| Reorganize
your home |
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Bending,
kneeling and squatting will be impossible immediately
following your surgery. Also remember you will be on
crutches or a walker for a while. Place everyday essentials
in top drawers or easy-access places. Remove electrical
cords and clutter that pose a hazard. Don’t wax
floors.
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| Obtain
assistance items |
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It
makes send to have certain assistance items ready when
you return home. Some suggested items might be a cordless
phone, large apron with pockets, reaching aids and bathing
aids. Check with your surgeon and hospital to identify
which items will be provided to you at discharge.
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Packing
for the Hospital
When
packing your hospital bag, bring your list of medications
and the telephone numbers of your relatives or designated “help” person.
Bring walking shoes, loose, comfortable clothes, underwear,
books, personal care items and cash for sundries. Please
don’t bring jewellery, large amounts of cash, credit
cards or other valuable items to the hospital with you
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A note
about Medications
It
is very important to tell your doctor about every single
medication you are taking, even aspirin or ibuprofen.
Some medications are not compatible with anesthetic,
and others could increase bleeding or cause other problems.
Your physician will determine which medications you can
continue up until your surgery, and which ones you must
discontinue.
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What
to expect the Day of Surgery
When
you are admitted to the hospital you will change into
a hospital gown. Your vital signs are taken by a nurse.
An intravenous line containing medications and fluids
will be inserted comfortably into a vein on your arm
or neck. At this point, your anesthesiologist will arrive
to begin administration of your anesthetic for surgery.
Once you are transferred to the operating table where
the surgery will take place. This is often the last thing
you remember before waking up in the recovery room. You
may have general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with
sedation.
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What
to expect right after surgery
In
the recovery room, you will recover from surgery until
you are awake and alert. You could experience chills
or nausea these are normal side effects of anesthesia.
You may notice:
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| Drainage
tubes and catheters |
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A
drainage tube and catheter may be in place.
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| Pain
Medications |
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to
manage the pain you may feel right after surgery, you
will be given medication.
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| Elastic
Stockings |
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You
may be fitted with elastic surgical stockings that help
prevent blood clots and improve circulation. You may
wear these stockings everyday for six to eight weeks
following surgery.
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| CPM
machine |
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Your
operated leg may be connected to a CPM (Continuous Passive
Motion) machine, which slowly bends it up and down to improve
range of motion. |
You
are returned to your regular hospital room once you are
completely awake. Your family members may then visit you
in your room. |
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Two
Days after surgery
IV
tubes and lines are usually removed within the first
few days following surgery. If a drain was placed in
your knee, then it will probably be removed a day or
two after surgery.
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| The
start of physical therapy |
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Physical
therapy usually begins for most patients within the
first few days following surgery. The therapist focuses
on helping to increase the knee’s range of motion
with bending exercises. You will also be building strength
in the knee and muscles of the leg. Often the CPM machine
is continued at a higher degree of bend.
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| Walking |
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It
is imperative that you get up and begin moving as soon
as possible. This ambulatory activity helps prevent
clots and speed your therapist and nurses; you should
be able to get from the bed to a chair (transfer) at
least once or twice a day. You will eventually be able
to transfer with your crutches or walker.
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Three
to Four Days after surgery
Your
physical therapy will continue, except you will practice
becoming more independent in your exercises, transfers
from bed to chair, stair climbing and other activities
your therapist has designed for you. Your dressings will
be changed, as well as your blood tested for coagulation.
Before you are discharged from the hospital, your physician
and physical therapist will review instructions for your
continuing care and exercises at home. You will be given
prescriptions for medication you need.
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Long
Term Care of Your Knee
Your
Knee replacement should give you years of service. You
can protect it by taking a few simple steps:
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| Watch
for and prevent infection |
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Because
your new knee is sensitive to infections, you must be
diligent about preventing them. You may need to take
antibiotics before seeing the dentist. If you suspect
a bacterial infection of any kind, notify your physician
right away.
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| Follow-up
care |
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When
you leave the hospital, you will be given a schedule
of follow-up visits. These visits will ensure the long-term
success of your operation. Your physician may want to
check you several times during the first year and annually
thereafter. Often, follow-up X-rays will confirm proper
placement and alignment of the implant.
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| Weight
Control |
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Keeping
your weight under control will reduce the amount of pressure
and stress on your new knee. Avoid high-impact sports
and participate regularly in low-impact activities such
as walking, swimming, golfing or cycling. These are excellent
ways to strengthen your new knee and get the exercise
you need to stay fit.
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