What To Wear For Knee Surgery

Knee Ligament Sprains Or Tears

These are common among athletes. There are two types of ligaments: collateral and cruciate. You have four main ligaments in your knee: the lateral collateral ligament, medial collateral ligament , posterior cruciate ligament, and anterior cruciate ligament .

Ligaments help keep the bones in your knee stable, but they are prone to injuries, particularly through contact or from changing direction suddenly when youâre running. Sports fans know that ACL and MCL injuries can sideline an athlete for months.

But for most people who donât make their living running full speed or getting hit, it usually takes several weeks to recover.

It can take roughly 8 weeks to recover from surgery to repair a ligament tear. But if you need a major reconstruction of a torn ligament, it can take 6 months or so to get you back to full strength, Bush-Joseph says.

Other Forms Of Treatment

Without replacement surgery, a severely osteoarthritic knee joint may continue to deteriorate until it is impossible to go about your normal daily activities, such as standing up, walking or getting up from a seated position. Other forms of treatment include:

• The use of walking aids, such as frames or walking sticks
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroid injections
• Other surgery, such as osteotomy an operation in which diseased bone is cut away in an attempt to properly align the malformed joint.

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.

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Keep The Knee Straight

While it may not be incredibly comfortable, it’s important that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after your surgery. You should minimize the amount of time you’re on your feet, and be sure to use crutches or a wheelchair if you must move about. When seated and lying down, keep your leg straight out in front of you, with no bend in the joint. It’s important that you give the joint ample time to heal your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to begin bending and moving the joint.

The Remainder Of Your Hospital Stay

DAY 1

• Your oxygen will probably be removed.
• Your operative leg will be put in a continuous passive motion machine, which will help you bend and straighten your knee. If you are out of the machine at night, your knee immobilizer will be put on to promote straightening.
• The nurse will encourage you to lift your leg off the bed. It may be a few days before you will be able to lift your leg on your own.
• You will get up to a chair with the assistance of the nursing staff. A soft splint will be on your leg to support it when you get up. When you can lift your leg off the bed on your own, the splint will be discontinued.
• Your exercise program with the physical therapist will begin, helping you to bend, straighten and gain strength in your new knee. You will begin walking with your walker with the physical therapist.

DAY 2

• If you have a drain, it will be removed by the nursing staff in the morning.
• Your IV will probably be discontinued, and the needle will be capped for a few days.
• Your exercise program will continue twice daily, helping you to bend, straighten and gain strength in your new knee. You will continue to walk further each day with your walker.

DAY 3-4

• You will continue physical therapy twice daily. When you can get in and out of bed alone, walk safely with your walker, and you have shown that you can climb stairs, you will be able to leave the hospital. This is usually the 3rd or 4th day after surgery.

Your hard work will be worth it!

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What Happens During Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

The most common procedure for a torn meniscus is knee arthroscopy. It usually takes less than an hour.

First, you receive anesthesia. The surgical team cleans the skin on your knee and covers the rest of your leg with a surgical drape. The team might place a clamp on your upper thigh to help with positioning during surgery.

The surgeon makes a few small stab incisions in your knee called portals. The team then fills the knee joint with a sterile fluid. The fluid helps control minor bleeding in the joint and washes away debris, which helps the surgeon see inside the joint.

The surgeon inserts a small tool called an arthroscope into the incision. An arthroscope is a thin tube with a small light and video camera at the end. The camera projects video images from inside your knee onto a monitor.

The surgeon uses the arthroscope to look at the tear and decide what surgical technique to perform:

• Meniscus repair: The surgeon sews torn pieces of cartilage back together so they can heal on their own. However, because of tear type and blood supply, less than 10%of tears are actually repairable.
• Partial meniscectomy: The surgeon trims and removes the damaged cartilage and leaves healthy meniscus tissue in place.

Your surgeon inserts other surgical tools depending on the technique used. When the meniscectomy or meniscus repair is complete, the surgeon closes the portals with stitches or surgical strips. Then the team will cover your knee with a bandage.

Characteristics Of Severe Arthritis Of The Knee

Pain

Pain is the most noticeable symptom of knee arthritis. In most patients the knee pain gradually gets worse over time but sometimes has more sudden flares where the symptoms get acutely severe. The pain is almost always worsened by weight-bearing and activity. In some patients the knee pain becomes severe enough to limit even routine daily activities.

Stiffness

Morning stiffness is present in certain types of arthritis. Patients with morning stiffness of the knee may notice some improvement in knee flexibility over the course of the day. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience more frequent morning stiffness than patients with osteoarthritis.

Swelling and warmth

Patients with arthritis sometimes will notice swelling and warmth of the knee. If the swelling and warmth are excessive and are associated with severe pain, inability to bend the knee, and difficulty with weight-bearing, those signs might represent an infection. Such severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. Joint infection of the knee is discussed below.

Location

The knee joint has three compartments that can be involved with arthritis . Most patients have both symptoms and findings on X-rays that suggest involvement of two or more of these compartments for example, pain on the lateral side and beneath the kneecap . Patients who have arthritis in two or all three compartments, and who decide to get surgery, most often will undergo total knee replacement .

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Reasons For The Procedure

Knee replacement surgery is a treatment for pain and disability in theknee. The most common condition that results in the need for kneereplacement surgery is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage.Damage to the cartilage and bones limits movement and may cause pain.People with severe degenerative joint disease may be unable to donormal activities that involve bending at the knee, such as walking orclimbing stairs, because they are painful. The knee may swell or”give-way” because the joint is not stable.

Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis thatresults from a knee injury, may also lead to degeneration of the kneejoint. In addition, fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments maylead to irreversible damage to the knee joint.

If medical treatments are not satisfactory, knee replacement surgery may bean effective treatment. Some medical treatments for degenerative jointdisease may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone injections into the knee joint

• Viscosupplementation injections

• Weight loss

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a knee replacementsurgery.

Clothing To Wear After Knee Replacement Surgery

Directly after surgery, youll likely be wearing the gown the hospital provides. Its easier to clean and its loose enough that you wont be bothered.

Your legs will be wrapped for compression so they will be covered even though you arent wearing pants.

Depending on your doctor and the success of the procedure you might only be in the hospital 1 day but its not uncommon to be in the hospital for 3 days post surgery.

During this time you wont be very mobile so you dont have to worry about changing clothes or shaving.

Wipes are great because you can clean yourself without having to get up and bathe. Wear the gown for as long as you can and it will save you doing laundry at home.

While I was at the hospital, my sweatshirt was handy to keep my upper body warm.

Heres a list of clothes to wear after your return home from TKR surgery:

• Comfortable pants that make it easy to use the bathroom
• Compression socks

If its winter season, set your thermostat a bit higher so you can wear shorts inside without getting cold. Keep a blanket on your favorite chair so you can easily cover your legs if needed.

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When Should I See My Healthcare Provider

Your healthcare provider will tell you when to schedule an appointment for follow-up. But you should call if you develop:

• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lots of drainage on the dressing.
• Pain or swelling that is not relieved by resting or elevating the leg.
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage from any incisions.
• Trouble breathing.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Meniscus surgery can fix an injured or torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee joint. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have knee pain that interferes with your life, work or activities. An arthroscopic procedure can reduce pain, improve mobility and stability, and help you return to activities.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/17/2021.

References

What Happens If You Dont Do Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery

Why you should commit to physical therapy after knee surgery

Its important to get moving and functioning as soon after the procedure otherwise, the following can occur: Decreased blood flow to the area can negatively affect healing at the surgical site. Muscles can weaken and atrophy if they go too long without use.

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How Much Walking After Knee Replacement

To gain quick motion and recovery post knee replacement surgery the doctor recommends to do Knee Strengthening Exercises such as Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and elliptical machines.

Many people think that Can they Damage a Knee Replacement?

The answer is yes, they can be damaged, if they do not follow the instructions given by the doctor. Or if they do some heavy Knee Replacement Exercises such as jogging, long jump, squats.

This is because heavyweight training requires a lot of pressure which may damage the new knee implant and increase the pain.

Who Should Wear A Knee Brace

If you experienced a traumatic knee injury or have osteoarthritis, a knee brace is recommended over a compression sleeve. For example, if you had LCL surgery, knee sprain, or an ACL tear, your kneecap will need far more support than a knee compression sleeve can provide. Always speak to your physical therapist about finding the best knee brace for your recovery process.

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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.

About St George Surgical Center

Located in sunny St. George, in southern Utah, SGSC is a multi-specialty surgical facility, physician-owned and operated.

• Board Certified Surgeon & Anesthesia Providers
• Prestigious AAAHC Accreditation
• Extremely low infection rate, 0.037%
• 11,000 sq ft with 4 state-of-the-art surgery suites
• 23-hour Overnight/Extended Stay facility

Competitive pricing and excellent customer service for our valued patients and their families.

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Types Of Arthritis That Affect The Knee

Inflammatory arthritis

This broad category includes a wide variety of diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout and many others. It is important that patients with these conditions be followed by a qualified rheumatologist as there are a number of exciting new treatments that may decrease the symptoms and perhaps even slow the progression of knee joint damage.

Patients with inflammatory arthritis of the knee usually have joint damage in all three compartments and therefore are not good candidates for partial knee replacement. However, inflammatory arthritis patients who decide to have total knee replacement have an extremely high likelihood of success. These patients often experience total, or near-total, pain relief following a well-performed joint replacement.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also called OA or degenerative joint disease. OA patients represent the large majority of arthritis sufferers. OA may affect multiple joints or it may be localized to the involved knee. Activity limitations due to pain are the hallmarks of this disease.

OA patients who have symptoms limited to one compartment of the knee sometimes are good candidates for minimally-invasive partial knee replacement .

Immediately After The Operation

After the operation, you can expect:

• Your knee is covered with a dressing and a drainage tube removes excess fluids from the wound.
• You are monitored by nursing staff who regularly check your vital signs .
• You are given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• You are given medications to thin your blood and reduce the risk of clots both during and after the operation.
• Strong pain relief can be given via an epidural or drip.
• You can start eating again on the second day after your operation.
• Nurses encourage you to move your feet and bend your other leg as soon as you can this helps to reduce the risk of clot formation.
• You are encouraged to walk around on the second day after surgery.
• Physiotherapists show you how to perform knee exercises.
• Occupational therapists advise you on how to best modify your home to make daily life easier during your recovery .
• Knee replacement surgery without complications usually involves a seven to 10 day hospital stay.
• Your stitches are removed about 10 days after surgery.

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Risks Of The Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possiblecomplications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bleeding

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Loosening or wearing out of the prosthesis

• Fracture

• Continued pain or stiffness

The replacement knee joint may become loose, be dislodged, or may not workthe way it was intended. The joint may have to be replaced again in thefuture.

Nerves or blood vessels in the area of surgery may be injured, resulting inweakness or numbness. The joint pain may not be relieved by surgery.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Besure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Who Should Consider Total Knee Replacement Surgery

It is usually reasonable to try a number of non-operative interventions before considering knee replacement surgery of any type. Prior to surgery an orthopedic surgeon may offer medications knee injections or exercises. A surgeon may talk to patients about activity modification weight loss or use of a cane.

The decision to undergo the total knee replacement is a “quality of life” choice. Patients typically have the procedure when they find themselves avoiding activities that they used to enjoy because of knee pain. When basic activities of daily life–like walking shopping or reasonable recreational pastimes–are inhibited or prevented by the knee pain it may be reasonable to consider the surgery.

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What To Wear And What Not To Wear During Surgery

Your doctor has decided the best treatment for your medical condition is a surgical procedure. Preparing for surgery involves taking care of the details beforehand so everything can go as smoothly as possible. Besides all the instructions you need to follow before your specific surgical procedure, youll also need to find out what you can wear during surgery to be safe and comfortable.

Knowing what you can and cant wear will help you prepare for your procedure and have peace of mind on the day of your surgery. Discover what to pack for your day surgery and what clothes are beneficial for your recovery below.