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.
Will I Set Off Security Monitors At The Airport
You may set off the alarm at some airport security checkpoints. Be proactive and inform the personnel that you have a total knee replacement and will most likely set off the alarm. Wear clothing that allows you to show the knee incision without difficulty. A letter from your surgeon or a wallet card is no longer of any help when passing through security.
What Are The Risks And Complications Of Revision Knee Replacement
Any surgery can have potential complications. The complexity of revision joint surgery increases the chance of surgical complications, which include but are not limited to:
- wound drainage
- damage to nerves or blood vessels
- intra-operative fractures
- pulmonary embolism
Infection, bleeding, damage to nerves or blood vessels, and intra-operative fractures can be minimized by using antibiotics before and after surgery, employing sterile surgical techniques and utilizing well-planned surgical exposures. Patients who are obese are particularly at increased risk of infection and wound drainage issues post operatively.
Similar to primary knee replacement, some mild swelling of the knee or ankle may be present after surgery for as long as three to six months. Swelling can be treated by elevating the leg, applying an ice pack, and wearing compression stockings.
Prior medical conditions, such as heart and lung complications or stroke conditions, can be aggravated by a revision procedure. These conditions may also develop in patients after revision surgery. Very rarely, death can occur. The decision to perform revision joint surgery is made when the benefits of pain relief and functional improvement outweigh the risk of potential complications.
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Why Do I Have A Problem With My Patella
Her left kneecap was getting way off track, but not quite dislocating. This is called subluxation. In fact, both her patellae have this problem. The left subluxes most often, but the right actually dislocates. Shes had several falls right onto her knees. Both knees hurt, and shes having trouble getting up and down stairs.
In most cases, the kneecap shifts to the outside of the leg, but it can also move towards the inside. Heres what you need to know about patellar tracking disorder and keeping your knees healthy.
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What Can You Never Do After Knee Replacement
Exercises and movements to avoid after a knee replacement
- using the handrail when going up and down the stairs.
- using a rubber mat or shower chair when showering.
- sitting down when putting on shorts or pants.
- keeping the floor clear of stray toys, slippery rugs, and other objects that pose a tripping hazard.
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What I Wish Id Done/had For Flying After Tkr
Should I Apply Heat Or Ice
While in the hospital and for several weeks after surgery, ice is most helpful to keep down swelling. In the hospital you should have ice applied to your knee at least 2-3 times daily. At home the most convenient ice bag is a bag of frozen peas that will conform easily to your knee and can be frozen. A warm towel placed around your knee prior to therapy sessions may help loosen up your knee, and ice may be used after therapy to cool the joint down.
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When Can I Travel
Most patients may travel as soon as they are comfortable after an initial 2-week visit with their knee replacement doctor. It is recommended that you get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips. This is important to help prevent stiffness and lessen the risk of blood clots.
Why Would I Need Surgery
Osteoarthritis is the main reason why people go for knee replacement surgery. The age-related condition is very common and occurs when cartilage — the cushion between the knee and the bone joints — breaks down.
Other reasons include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is when the bodyâs immune system attacks and destroys the lining of the knee.
- Deformities: People with bowed legs or âknock-kneesâ often get surgery to restore the position of the knee.
- Knee injuries: A broken bone or torn ligaments around the knee sometimes will result in arthritis that causes great pain and limits your movement.
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Your Recovery Timeline: What To Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery
After knee replacement surgery, most patients wonder how long it will take before theyre back to feeling normal. For example, how long does it take to get a full range of motion? You may also be wondering how long you can expect any lingering stiffness to last. While every case is unique, there are typical timeframes you can use as a guideline.
Your range of motion capabilities often progress rapidly during the first three months following surgery, provided you are working with a physical therapist and following your doctors recommendations. Your range of motion may continue to improve for up to two years after your surgery.
You can expect to use a variety of stretches and exercises in order to achieve optimal motion with your replaced knee. The normal range of motion after a knee replacement is defined as being able to bend your knee back to 90 degrees.
When Do I See A/prof Walter For Follow Up Appointments
Your first post-op appointment will be at 6 weeks after your knee replacement. Please bring ALL your x-rays, including a fresh X-Ray taken as close to that appointment as possible. You do not need a new referral if you are coming for your six-week post-operative check up. This appointment does not incur a fee.
After a knee replacement surgery A/Professor Walter will ask you to come back for a follow up appointment at 6 months, 2 years, 5 years and every five years after that. It is important that you come back for these check-up appointments, even if you are perfectly happy with your implant.
After a knee arthroscopy surgery A/Professor Walter will usually ask you to come back 10 14 days after surgery so that sutures can be removed and the wound can be checked. You will need to come back 3 months after your surgery. Further follow up appointments may be advised after that.
Please check to see if any Xray is required for this appointment.
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The Biggest Mistake With Pain Managment
The biggest mistake most people make is not utilizing the opioids to their fullest extent early when they are really needed, focusing on restoring range of motion first and foremost. If the range task lingers, so will the opioid use, they go together hand in glove.
If youve restored your range of motion and are slowly progressed your strength exercises you should not have a great deal of pain going forward.
The longer one takes an opioid prescription, the more difficult it will be to get off opioids after knee replacement surgery, which leads into this next section about the consequences of using a lot of opioid pain medication prior to surgery.
When Can Knee Replacement Patients Drive
The answer to this question largely depends on which knee was operated on.
- Patients who had their non-driving legs operated on may return to driving once they can get in and out of a car comfortably and are off any pain medications that impair driving skills.
- Patient who had their driving legs operated on may drive as soon as 2 weeks after surgery,1 while others may need 6 weeks or longer. To drive, knee replacement patients must:
- Not be taking any pain medications that impair driving skills
- Have regained their pre-surgical reflexes and muscle strength.
Research examining knee replacement patients ability to drive has yielded varying results and recommendations.2 Therefore, patients and doctors should work together to decide what is reasonable for the individual.
See Total Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
Handicap parking placardObtaining a handicap parking placard for a car requires a doctors approval. The specific regulations and paperwork vary from state to state. Patients may ask their doctor if they are eligible for a placard before surgery as well as after.
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What Are Some Good And Bad Positions For My Knee During Recovery
You should spend some time each day working on flexion and extension of the knee. Although it may be more comfortable, you should NOT use a pillow.
Early on after surgery it is important to keep the knee as straight as possible except when specifically working on bending. Flexion will continue to improve over the first several weeks post-operatively, but extension is often maximized after the first couple of weeks.
Do I Need A Continuous Passive Motion Machine
In general, no. However, depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may benefit from a CPM. If so, most patients will be started on the CPM on the first post-operative day.
The amount of bend will gradually increase while you are in the hospital. Typically, patients will use the machine for 1-2 hours at a time, 2-3 times a day. Except under rare circumstances, you will not need a CPM when you go home.
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Under What Conditions Should I Seek Medical Advice Post
Any condition which is new or out of the ordinary for your total knee is worth at least a phone call, an office visit, or possibly a trip to the Emergency Room. Prolonged fever greater than 102 degrees, increasing or worsening pain in your knee, increasing or worsening redness in your knee, increasing or smelly drainage from your incision, worsening calf pain and swelling, chest pain and shortness of breath are all conditions which warrant immediate medical advice.
How I Made Flying After Tkr A Success
Great news! When I received my boarding pass it was labeled TSA Pre-approved. No waiting in long lines and plus I did not have to remove my shoes.
The regular TSA lines were more than a half hour wait and I was able to zoom through the pre-approved line. I did set the security alarm off and was briefly rerouted to the full body scan where I told them I had just had TKR.
After the body scan, they used a wand around my knee and then sent me on my way . I was concerned about getting a bad seat so I went directly to the gate counter and explained that I had TKR 2 months ago and that this was my first flight since the surgery.
I asked if I could be included in the early boarding group. The attendant changed my boarding pass without asking any questions and my wife was able to accompany me in the early boarding group. If youve had knee replacement within a few months Id recommend doing this!
I was told that I could sit anywhere except in an exit row. I was fifth in line when we boarded and I chose a bulkhead right aisle seat in the first row near the bathroom. I could stretch out my leg and elevate it against the bulkhead and also stretch it out in the aisle.
I had to be careful to keep my foot out of the aisle when the other passengers were boarding and when the flight attendants went up and down the aisle. During the flight, I sat comfortably and took a walk the length of the plane every 45 minutes. I kept busy doing crossword puzzles and I did ankle pumps every ten minutes.
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What Activities Are Permitted Following Surgery
You may return to many activities as soon as tolerated including walking, gardening, golf, and doubles tennis. Some of the best activities to help with motion and strengthening are swimming and the use of a stationary bicycle. You should avoid high impact stresses to the knee such as running and jumping and vigorous sports such as singles tennis, basketball, water skiing, and downhill snow skiing.
Adjusting To Your New Knee
After the procedure, youre likely to face various challenges. For most people, recovery can take 612 months, and possibly longer in some cases.
Knowing what to expect can help you make it through your day more effectively and get the most out of your new knee.
Keep reading to find out what adjustments you may need to make.
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When Can You Expect To Ride And Drive After Knee Replacement
You will be able to ride in a car, as a passenger, immediately after surgery . This wont be comfortable since youve just had surgery so its wise to minimize rides the first few weeks.
Driving will depend on what leg underwent knee replacement . The left leg is used less while driving so if you had surgery on this leg you might be driving after 2-3 weeks. I had surgery on my right knee and I believe 5 weeks is a more realistic time frame.
Ultimately, your clearance to drive will be up to you and your doctor. I recommend that you practice driving in your neighborhood before taking long drives.
When Will It Be Safe For You To Drive
The only person who can tell you exactly when you can drive again is your orthopedic surgeon. When you go for follow-up appointments after TKA surgery, you can ask how soon it will be before it is safe for you to drive.
In addition, if youre using a walker or other assistive device, or if walking long distances is a challenge after knee arthroplasty, you may want to ask for a disabled parking placard.
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Should I Tell My Dentist That Ive Had A Knee Replacement
After a knee replacement, pay particular attention to infections anywhere on the body, and deal with them immediately. Pay special attention to tooth decay and mouth infections, as these may be a cause of infection in joint replacement.
If you need to visit your dentist, tell them you have had a joint replacement and give them a copy of the current advice from the Arthroplasty Society of Australia, which outlines recommendations for mouth care after joint replacement surgery.
What To Expect After Discharge
Within 10 days following your discharge, you should be able to:
- Bend your knee 90 degrees and extend your leg fully
- Stand independently or with little help
- Rely less on assistive devices
- Bathe, dress and use the toilet on your own
- Climb up or down a flight of stairs
At the two to three-week mark, your knee may be strong enough to carry more weight. Most people are either using a cane or nothing at all by this point.
Three months after surgery, the majority of patients are 90% recovered. After six months, most patients feel 100% recovered.
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When Can Knee Replacement Patients Return To Work
The first question many knee replacement candidates ask is If I have this surgery, when can I return to work? The recovery process is unique to each patient, but experts generally say3 that people with:
- Sedentary or desk jobs may be able to return to work after 4 or 6 weeks.
- Manual labor jobs, such as construction and landscaping, typically do not to return to work. The frequent and repetitive pressure on the new knee may cause it to wear out prematurely, requiring a second surgery.
- Mixed labor jobs, which require frequent standing or occasional bending or lifting may return to work after approximately 3 months.
Prospective patients should talk to their surgeon about returning to work before surgery is scheduled.
How Soon Can You Drive After Total Knee Replacement
In the weeks after total knee replacement surgery also known as total knee arthroplasty you will likely be eager to get back behind the wheel. After all, no one really likes relying on friends, family members or public transportation. Driving will make it easier to get back to your regular work, social and recreational activities.
So when can you drive after total knee replacement?
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