Commonly Required And Suggested Medical Preparations
The medical preparations described below are typical for total knee replacement surgery and other major surgeries requiring general anesthesia. A surgeon and hospital should clearly communicate any required medical preparations well before the time of surgery. Patients who have specific questions or concerns regarding medical preparations should contact their surgeons offices.
See Anesthesia for Orthopedic Surgery
- Cut or decrease medications. Two weeks before surgery, a patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as:
- Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and other medications that make it more difficult for blood to clot
- Steroids and other medications that suppress the immune system and therefore can increase the chance of post-surgical infection
- Opioid pain medication
Plan Your Physiotherapy Today
Once you give consent to use email, your surgeons office will send you instructions to go to our online platform to do your education and to plan your physiotherapy. You will need your reference number, which will be in the email.
If they have not done so already, ask your surgeons office to register you for the online Hip and Knee Education Program!
The Support Of Family Friends And Peers
In a recent interview with Dr. Nima Mehran, a rising orthopaedic surgeon who has participated in hundreds of knee replacements, he expressed that the support of family and friends is one of the most important factors in determining the overall success and recovery time of a knee replacement. Not only will the support of family and friends be of great help post-surgery, it will actually help with physical and mental preparedness in the weeks prior.
Dr. Mehran added that a vital part of overall prehab and pre-op support is being connected with other patients who have recently undergone the surgery. Speaking with those who are a few months ahead of you in the knee replacement surgery and recovery cycle personalizes the procedure, offering a greater level of insight and alleviate anxiety.
Why the Support of Others Matters:
- If youre committed to PreHab and are setting goals like eating a nutritionally-rich diet or keeping up with daily exercises in order to reduce your risk and improve your outcome, the support of family, friends and peers is key for accountability.
- Youre more likely to remain motivated and focused on game-changing PreHab lessons when you have the support of a group.
- Connecting with knee replacement recipients will encourage you to follow-suit
A community of supportwhether it be family and friends, peers who will be undergoing a knee replacement, or those who are in recoveryis at the heart of PeerWells Prehab program.
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Preparing For Knee Replacement Surgery
If you and your surgeon decide that knee replacement surgery is the best treatment for you, our medical team will give you the information you need to prepare, including personalized instructions, during appointments before your surgery. To get started, here are the basics.
How To Prepare For Knee Replacement Surgery
If you and your surgeon have decided that knee replacement surgery is right for you, you are not alone surgeons perform over 650,000 knee replacements each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . After performing millions of these procedures over the years, health professionals have come up with suggestions on what you can do prior to surgery to get the most out of your knee replacement.
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How To Prepare For A Full Knee Replacement Operation
Osteoarthritis can be really painful. Its also restrictive, tiring and frustrating. If you have OA in one or both of your knees, the time will potentially come when enough is enough and a full knee replacement is the best solution.
But simply turning up for the operation doesnt guarantee a pain-free outcome.
In our experience a six-to-eight-week pre-operation exercise program is a great idea. There can be a lot to do, so if this program takes longer, its all good!
Its time to get mobile, safe and happy again.
Prepare A Recovery Space
Get your house ready and prepare a recovery space for yourself. It may be by a favorite recliner or a comfortable couch where you will spend most of your time. Try to be as close to a bathroom as possible.
Items that should be nearby so that you can reach them include: your phone, remotes, reading material, glasses, tissues, a wastebasket, and a computer.
Good lighting is also essential and low shelves can make life easier while you recover. Remove area rugs, mats and any electrical cords that might be trip hazards.
If you feel that it is necessary, you can install temporary handrails in the bathroom and the in the shower. If you have a two-story house consider setting up a temporary bed downstairs and if you need to climb stairs use the handrail.
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Option : Go To One Of Shns Partner Clinics For Your Physiotherapy After Surgery
SHN has agreements with community clinics throughout Ontario to make sure that you have the best possible experience even if you do not live close enough to the hospital. If getting to the hospital is a challenge or you need appointments outside of regular business hours, you can book your physiotherapy at a clinic that is more convenient for you.
Exercise The Muscles Around The Knee
In the weeks leading up to surgery, targeted exercises to build up strength in the muscles surrounding your knee is quite impactful. The stronger and more flexible your surrounding muscles are, the easier it will be to resume your favorite activities after the replacement. In addition to helping you bounce back, these purposeful, low-impact exercises will reduce fatigue, muscle soreness, swelling and the risk of blood clots.
Before surgery, exercises should primarily target your hamstrings and quadriceps.
3 Simple Exercises with Impact
Quad Sets
10 reps, 2x per day
Sitting Knee Flexion
10 reps, 2x per day
Side Leg Raises
10 reps, 2x per day
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Reach Out With Any Final Questions
If you have any final questions about what to expect during your surgery, what recovery will be like or about your risks during knee replacement surgery, now is the time to ask. Were here to support you throughout the knee replacement process.
Give your care team a call. At TRIA, our pre-op nurses want to make sure youre educated and calm before surgery. Well answer your questions and help put your mind at ease. Its important to us that our patients dont have any unanswered questions before their procedures.
Can I Avoid Or Postpone A Knee Replacement
The choice on whether to have surgery to address arthritis of the knee joint depends on multiple factors, including:
- the condition of the knee joint
- the patientâs age and activity level
In cases where the damage from arthritis is minimal, and/or if the patient does not have a very active lifestyle, nonsurgical treatments by be tried, including:
- physical therapy
- , such as ibuprofen
- weight loss to reduce pressure on the knee
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What Happens After I Arrive At The Hospital
You should arrive at the hospital at the instructed time and go to level 3 of the main hospital. After the registration process is complete a nurse will spend a few minutes making sure that you are still in good health and ready for surgery. The nurses will try to give you a good estimation of when you will be going into surgery. However, it is hard to predict how long every surgery is going to take, so expect some waiting time and bring something like a book, magazine or other quiet activity to help pass the time.
You will be taken to a pre-surgical care unit where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. An intravenous will be started to administer fluids and medications during and after the surgical procedure. From there, you will be transported to the operating room. Your family and/or friends may accompany you to the pre-surgical care unit, then will be instructed to wait in the Surgery Waiting Area. Your doctor will talk to your family after the surgery to report your progress.
How Do I Know If I Need Knee Replacement Surgery
You may need surgery if:
- Your knees are stiff and swollen.
- There is pain throughout the day, even at rest.
- Walking, getting up or climbing stairs is difficult and painful.
- Medication and therapy do not offer enough relief.
- Knee cartilage is so damaged and worn away that you are walking “bone on bone,” in which the bones of the joint are scraping together.
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How Long Is It Before I Can Walk After A Knee Replacement
Most patients progress to a straight cane, walker or crutches within two or three days after surgery. As the days progress, the distance and frequency of walking will increase.
Patients are usually able to drive a car within three to six weeks after surgery and resume most other normal activities by or before six weeks. Complete recuperation and return to full strength and mobility may take four months or more. However, in many cases, patients are significantly more mobile one month after surgery than they were before they had their knee replacement
Organize Medicine Or Pills For The Week
Im sure youve seen the medicine containers that have the day of the week listed on them. Buy a few of these and fill them up with vitamins or prescription medication. You know what pills and how much so plan in advance.
If youre like me, youll have a number of prescription medications to take right after TKR so be organized. You dont want to double dose .
Keep the pills on the counter or next to the couch where you can access them easily.
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Ask Your Family To Be Patient With You
Just wanted to add this one. The mood in your house might be different when youre recovering. People will be concerned about you and youll require a lot of help.
Although youll be happy to return home, youll be in rough shape and your mood wont be the best. Be patient and hopefully your family will be patient with you. Keep your focus on improving and recovery, and try not to focus on the moment.
Preoperative Exercises For Knee Replacements
Note: Always talk to a medical professional before beginning a new exercise program. Your surgeon or physical therapist can recommend exercises prior to your knee replacement and help you decide which exercises are best for your abilities.
If an exercise causes an increase in your pain or discomfort, stop performing that exercise.
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Knee Replacement Recovery Time And Recuperation
Total knee replacement surgery generally takes about 60 to 90 minutes, but you should expect to be in the operating room for over two hours. Rehabilitation will begin within 24 hours of surgery.
After your surgery, the nursing staff will position you in bed and help you turn until you are able to move on your own. You may have a pillow between your legs if ordered by your surgeon.
Very soon after surgery, a physical therapist will come to your room to teach you appropriate exercises and review your progress. Gentle exercises to improve your range of motion can help prevent circulation problems as well as strengthen your muscles.
Your rehabilitation program will begin as soon as you are medically stable and there are orders from your doctor to begin postoperative mobility. All patients begin rehabilitation within 24 hours of their surgery. Your motivation and participation in your physical therapy program is key to the success of your surgery and recovery. The physical therapist will assist you in the following activities:
- sitting at bedside with your feet on the floor
- transferring in and out of bed safely
- walking with the aid of a device
- climbing stairs with aid of a device
Who Is Offered Knee Replacement Surgery
A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not reduced pain or improved mobility.
You may be offered knee replacement surgery if:
- you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your knee joint and your mobility is reduced
- your knee pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep
- everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible
- you’re feeling depressed because of the pain and lack of mobility
- you cannot work or have a social life
You’ll also need to be well enough to cope with both a major operation and the rehabilitation afterwards.
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Different Types Of Surgery
There are 5 main types of knee replacement surgery:
- Total knee replacement. This is the most common form. Your surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone that connects to the knee.
- Partial knee replacement. If arthritis affects only one side of your knee, this surgery may be a possibility. However, itâs only right for you if you have strong knee ligaments and the rest of the cartilage in the knee is normal. Partial knee replacement can be performed through a smaller cut than is needed for total knee replacement.
- Patellofemoral replacement. This replaces only the under-surface of the kneecap and the groove the kneecap sits in. This can be very effective for people with chronic kneecap arthritis.
- Complex knee replacement. This procedure may be needed if you have very severe arthritis or if youâve already had two or three knee replacement surgeries.
- Cartilage restoration: Sometimes when the knee only has an isolated area of injury or wear this area can be replaced with a living cartilage graft or cells which grow into cartilage.
Be As Prepared As Possible
Being prepared may seem obvious, but prior to surgery, its easy to be overwhelmed and overlook ways to make your knee replacement surgery and recovery more seamless. Beyond the must-do PreHab lessons to boost your mental and physical preparedness and meeting with your medical team to devise your pre-op and game day plan, we suggest really thinking about the future you. Your mobility will be greatly reduced in the days following a knee replacement its crucial to plan ahead.
Ways to get prepared:
- Pre-order and Test Walking DevicesMake sure youve ordered mobility equipment to arrive on time for surgery day. While getting adjusted to a walker, crutch or cane is fairly simple, having a test run is ideal.
- Pack an Overnight BagPack everything you may need for your hospital stay including important documents like Advanced Directives, hand-carry equipment like a reacher and loose clothing.
- Prepare Your HomePrep your home by clearing high-traffic roadways, removing obstacles like cords or furniture that may get in your way, creating a downstairs living space and installing an elevated toilet seat.
Other things to think about: transportation to and from surgery, collecting mail, arranging meals ahead of time, getting assistance with laundry and general housekeeping.
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Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery
You’ll usually be in hospital for 3 to 5 days, but recovery times can vary.
Once you’re able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about looking after your knee at home. You’ll need to use a frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee.
Most people can stop using walking aids around 6 weeks after surgery, and start driving after 6 to 8 weeks.
Full recovery can take up to 2 years as scar tissue heals and your muscles are restored by exercise. A very small amount of people will continue to have some pain after 2 years.
Hire Someone To Walk The Dog
If you have a dog or cat youll be happy to return home and see their smiles. But if Fido requires a daily walk you wont be able to do it until youre further along in recovery.
If you have a neighbor, consider asking them to take your dog for a walk once a day until youre up and moving around. Better yet, pay the high school kid down the street to do it .
If you dont have pets its one less thing to worry about, however, I do miss having a dog.
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