How Do I Access The Services
These services are provided to patients with musculoskeletal problems or an orthopedic emergency due to a recent trauma involving the musculoskeletal system.
A consultation request is necessary to access orthopedic services, so you will have to visit your doctors office, an emergency department or walk-in clinic in order to be referred.
What To Bring For Your Hospital Stay
Please bring the following to the hospital.
- this education book
- a current list of your medicines
- a copy of your health care directive
- driver’s license or photo ID
- Your insurance information
- personal care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cleaner, comb, skin care products, deodorant, make-up and shaving kit)
- loose-fitting tops and bottoms . You will get dressed each morning in your own clothes.
- clothing you will wear home, including loose-fitting pants, shirt, underwear and socks
- flat shoes or athletic shoes
- glasses or contacts and storage containers
- hearing aids , storage container and extra batteries
- CPAP machine
- reading materials
- phone numbers of family and friends
- cell phone charger
- rolling walker with front wheels . Your physical therapist can make adjustments to your walker for you. If you do not have an assistive walking device, your physical therapist will help you get the medical equipment you need while in the hospital.
- money to buy equipment to take home if needed. It’s a good idea to ask a member of your care circle to bring this to you. Allina Health will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Knee Surgery Checklist: 12 Things To Do Before Your Operation
Published on: 5th December 2019
How exactly should you prepare for a major knee operation? If youre spending a few days and nights in hospital, the to-do list probably feels daunting. If so, dont worry. Below is a quick checklist of tips and advice things you can do in advance, and things to pack for your visit.
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When Outpatient Knee Replacement Is Safe
Most knee replacement surgeries require a stay at the hospital, especially if youre undergoing total knee replacement. A stay in the hospital allows Dr. Karas to more closely monitor your recovery and initiate physical therapy when you have the full support of the experienced medical staff. Dr. Karas does his best to get you home as quickly as possible.
However, if youre undergoing a partial knee replacement, its possible that Dr. Karas may let you go home the same day. When determining if its safe for you to go home the same day of your knee replacement surgery, he takes into consideration your overall health, age, and support system. How well you bounce back while youre in the surgical suite recovery room is also a factor that determines whether you can go home right away.
What To Pack For The Hospital For Surgery
Going to the hospital for an elective surgical procedure can cause significant anxiety. One of the best ways to help ease anxiety is to plan for your upcoming surgery. Whether you are having a hip replacement, knee replacement, or a spinal surgery, there are some things you can prepare to have available to make your hospital stay more comfortable.
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Prehabilitation For Knee Replacement
Evidence suggests that patients who engage in prehabilitationpre-surgical physical therapy to strengthen the muscle surrounding the kneemay experience slightly less pain and better knee function after surgery. However, these reported effects do not seem to significantly affect patients length of stay in the hospital, medical costs, or post-surgical quality of life.1
Will I Need Anything Special At Home
You will need crutches and/or a walker and handrails for the stairs leading to your house. Optional things include a raised toilet seat and handrails around the toilet, bath areas and stairwells. Any scatter rugs should be removed and torn areas in the carpet or tile tacked down to prevent falling. In addition, watch out for pets that may get underfoot!
When preparing for surgery, you should begin thinking about the recovery period after you leave the hospital. Discharge from the hospital is usually in about one to two days and a patient with a new total knee replacement is strongly encouraged to have someone at home to assist with dressing, getting meals and so on for the first couple of weeks.
If assistance from someone at home is not possible, please discuss this with your surgeon. It may be necessary to think about arranging to stay a few weeks in a skilled extended care facility, an acute rehab unit, or receive therapy at home with in-home care. To qualify for these options, you must meet certain criteria as directed by Medicare and/or your insurance carrier. If needed, outpatient therapy can be arranged in a facility near your home.
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What I Wore To The Hospital For Tkr
All week my family was helping me prepare for the big day. The house was in order and we had rearranged the couches, chairs, and beds.
We cleaned the house so I could come back to an orderly home and I had gone grocery shopping to grab some snacks for the hospital.
One thing I didnt consider was what I should wear. Thankfully my doctor had a helpful checklist to remind me. I grabbed a loose fitting pair of sweats and a thin long-sleeve shirt.
Its always cool in hospitals so I wanted to overdress I could always remove layers.
I chose cotton fabrics that would be comfortable while moving around or lying in bed. I also brought a pair of athletic shorts that I could wear after surgery that #1 wouldnt get in the way of my wound and #2 wouldnt matter if blood or fluid seeped onto them.
Other than the clothes I wore, I brought one more set of clothes just in case I had to stay in the hospital more than 1-2 days. I wore a pair of comfortable tennis shoes but also packed a pair of sandals in case I needed them around the hospital.
It turned out that I didnt need the sandals, just socks with sole grips. As TKR surgery has evolved, the time in the hospital has decreased and patients like me can return home fairly quickly.
I was in and out within 2 days.
Once I returned home, I had my clothes laid out for the week. I knew I wouldnt be in the mood to visit the closet and choose clothes, so I planned in advance.
How Long Will It Be Before I Feel Normal
You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to a year for any leg swelling to disappear.
Your new knee will continue to recover for up to 2 years after your operation. During this time, scar tissue will heal and muscles can be restored by exercise.
Even after you have recovered, it’s best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there’s a risk of falling, such as skiing or mountain biking. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you.
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What Can Be Expected In Recovery And Rehabilitation After A Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery after knee replacement may depend on factors like your underlying medical condition or the type of knee replacement surgery performed. Some people may go home soon after surgery, while others may need to stay back longer. However, in normal conditions, a patient may expect to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after the surgery. Physical therapy is advised to increase knee strength and mobility gradually. It is very important to follow the physiotherapists advice to avoid any complications. Post discharge, it may require about 12-14 weeks to recover and resume normal functioning even though the knee tissues continue to heal. While you are back home, you should take care of the following:
- Continue with your medication and therapy as advised
- Try and reduce the usage of walking aids gradually
- Continue your exercises but do not force your knee
- Do not sit cross legged for at least six weeks after the surgery
- Do not place any object like a pillow under your knee while sleeping
- Avoid any kind of twisting motion of the knee
- Wear comfortable and supportive shoes
- Do not bend excessively or kneel on the operated knee till full recovery
What Can I Expect During The First 12 Weeks After Surgery
Immediately after surgery a physical therapist will help you stand and walk around your recovery room.
If surgery was performed in an outpatient surgery center you will return home the same day. Some patients will stay in the hospital for a short stay or transitioned to a skilled nursing facility if it is not safe to return home.
Therapy will begin the day of surgery and continue for an average of 6 to 12 weeks.
Most patients in the US will us a walker for the first few days then transition to a cane before walking independently without an assistive device.
Physical therapy may start in the home or skilled nursing facility before transitioning to an outpatient clinic or having a mobile therapist perform outpatient therapy in the patient’s home.
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Prepare A Recovery Area
Due to mobility limitations, you will likely do a lot of sitting during the first few weeks after your return from the hospital.
Designate a recovery area with a sturdy chair to relax in. The chair should be high enough that it is easy to sit down and get up from. It should have arms and a solid back so you dont fall.
A recliner is a good choice because you can elevate your legs. Place a sturdy footstool in front of your chair if you dont have a recliner. Some chairs have a device to tilt you slightly forward, making it easier to get up.
Your recovery area should also contain items within arms reach, in case you need them quickly.
Consider having the following items on hand near your chair:
- eyeglasses
The Details Of Our Thorough Approach
Consultation with Surgeon
This visit is to determine if you will be a candidate for surgery. If you are deemed surgical you will then see a rehabilitation team member for an assessment and fill out the necessary paperwork with a Nurse. This visit will be approximately three hours.
Consultation with Internal Medicine and/or Anesthesia
This visit is for the Internal Medicine or Anesthesia doctor to clear you for surgery. You must complete the lab requisition given to you when you signed the paperwork for surgery. Please go to the lab approximately two weeks before your appointment.
On the day of your appointment please remember to bring your medications and EKG to your consultation. This visit will be approximately two hours. Once you are cleared for surgery, you will receive a call from your care team when a surgery date is available.
Teaching Class
This is where we will answer all of your questions and help prepare you for surgery. We will help you understand what to expect after surgery and how to take care of yourself. This visit will be approximately two hours.
Surgery
You will need to call the hospital the night before your surgery date to get the time you will need to be at the hospital on the day of your surgery. The average hospital stay is approximately 1-2 nights.
Two Week Appointment
Six Week Appointment
You will meet with your Surgeon and a member of the rehabilitation team. This appointment will be given to you well in advance.
Twelve Week Appointment
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The Morning Of Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you should take a bath or shower. Your medical provider might give you specific instructions for bathing before your procedure. Since youll be fasting, avoid swallowing or ingesting any water when brushing your teeth. Remember not to apply toiletries, makeup, nail polish or hair spray as you get ready.
Youll receive a bracelet with your name and an identification number on it when you register at the hospital or outpatient facility. After check-in, youll go to the operation area, where a nurse will take your blood pressure and ask you whether youve eaten, drank or smoked before arrival or if theres a chance you might be pregnant. You must answer honestly so the surgical team can be aware of anything that could complicate your surgical procedure.
Most hospitals make women at a childbearing age take a urine pregnancy test to ensure theyre not pregnant, even if theyre not sexually active. This test will take place in a private setting so you can be honest and ask questions. Let your doctor or nurse know if you think you could be pregnant.
What Factors Should Be Considered While Choosing A Hospital For Knee Replacement Surgery
Since knee replacement is a major surgery, it is important to ensure that the hospital has the infrastructure and trained team to support the pre-operative and post-operative needs of the treatment. Some factors that should be considered are:
- The most important consideration while choosing a hospital for knee replacement surgery is the orthopaedic surgeon and his team. The success of surgery depends on the expertise and skills of the surgeon. Specialised training, number of surgeries performed and success rate are indicative of the skill set of your orthopaedic surgeon.
- Advanced operation theatre facilities including provisions to monitor and control infections like High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, Total Body Exhaust Suit etc, specialized orthopedic equipment is the operation theatre like C-arm, vacuum mixing of the cement, pulse lavage etc.
- Post-operative care: Trained team of orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetist, nursing and paramedical staff to ensure a pain free post-operative recovery and after care for physiotherapy, experienced in joint replacement surgery.
- Round the clock support for diagnostics and pharmacy.
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How Soon Will I Be Up And About
The staff will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you’ve had keyhole surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, you’ll be helped to stand within 12 to 24 hours after your operation.
Walking with a frame or crutches is encouraged. Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week.
During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation. It’s important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.
It’s normal to have initial discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen.
You may be put on a passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.
Merino Wool Socks With Rubber Grip
These marino wool socks with bottom grips are a solid brand that makes quality socks. Because I was always wearing shorts after knee surgery, I wanted socks that would keep my toes warm.
Thick wool socks did the trick and gave me a little extra cushion. Just as important was the grip on the bottom so I wouldnt slide on the floor.
These socks are mostly wool but use some other materials to keep elasticity against your foot. For a decent price you get 2 pairs not bad.
There are many options out there for clothing after TKR. You could even visit the thrift store to find good quality clothes perfect for your recovery and you can get rid of them once youve healed.
You wont want 2nd hand socks though.
The items I mentioned above will stay with me for many years, long after Im healed.
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What To Bring To The Hospital On The Day Of Your Knee Replacement:
Current list of medications and supplements, noting which ones have been stopped
Loose pajamas or short nightgown and short robe if desired
Under garments
Loose shorts, jogging suit, sweats, tops
Slippers with backs and rubberized sole or walking sneakers/shoes with Velcro® closures or elastic shoe laces
Socks
Personal toiletries
Eyeglasses
CPAP machine settings, tubing, and machine
Cell phone or calling card
Drivers license or photo ID, insurance card, Medicare or Medicaid card
Copy of your Advanced Directives
Important telephone numbers
Any hand-carry equipment you may have such as a reacher, sock aid, long-handled shoe horn
This guide booklet so you can review items with your health care team
Do not bring a walker. The person driving you home should bring it at the time of your discharge.
Do not bring valuables – no jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks, or cash.
Do not bring your own medications.
Preparing Clothes For The Week After Tkr Surgery
One of my previous articles suggests how to prepare your house for post surgery. In that article, I discuss the benefits of planning your outfit for a week after you return home. Why, you ask?
When you return home from surgery, you wont feel like doing much. If your experience is like mine, youll be groggy and in some pain.
Youll be on a lot of medication and the last thing youll want is to walk to the closet and figure out what to wear.
My advice is: before you go to the hospital for surgery, organize clean clothes for a week and keep them by the bed. You wont have to think about what to wear.
Instead, youll have clean clothes ready-to-go.
Make it easier on yourself. The same goes for medication and vitamins and supplements .
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