Surgery

The General Exam Prior To Surgery. Because in most cases the patient is admitted to the hospital the morning of the surgery, the person will be scheduled for an appointment for preadmission testing several days to a few weeks before surgery usually consisting of: Blood work/Urine test – A complete blood count may be determined to

Once the anesthetic has been given and the patient prepared: the damaged joint surfaces are removed. An incision approximately eight inches in length is made on the front of the knee. The damaged joint surfaces are removed from all 3 bones making up the knee joint. Sometimes, depending on the surgeon, the back of the

Exercising the knee and leg muscles following surgery is extremely important to the success of the total knee replacement. Exercises aim to quickly regain increasing motion in the knee following surgery, prevent muscle loss, which is inevitable after surgery, rebuild the muscle strength and prevent stiffness of the new knee joint. It is important therefore,

Once you are discharged from the hospital, a nurse, physical therapist, and possibly an occupational therapist will likely see you for in-home treatment. This is to ensure your are safe in and about your home. Home health varies from one to several visits for a safety check and review of an exercise program. In some

Immediately after surgery there may be mild discomfort due to the operation itself. Pain medication is given to lessen any pain. However, the pain rapidly subsides and the person notices that they no longer suffer from the longstanding pain of arthritis they have endured for so many years The healing phase will last approximately three

The most significant feature following total knee replacement is relief from long-standing pain of arthritis. Most individuals proclaim they have dramatically improved by about six weeks, however progress continues well beyond that point. Here are several guidelines to follow when returning to work and recreational activities: Work A sedentary or less physically demanding job may

Contact your doctor: If there is unrelenting significant pain in the knee. If the surgical incision becomes warm, red, or appears to have an opening or drainage. If swelling persists/increases. If either of the calf regions become swollen and painful or tender to the touch. If you become generally warm and ill feeling. If chest pain or coughing develop without cause

Here are some frequently asked questions related to knee replacement: Q: How soon following total knee replacement should I be able to progress to walking independently? A: The speed with which a person is able to discontinue the use of crutches, walker or cane varies from individual to individual. The majority of people require only a

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to knee replacement: Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which a painful damaged knee joint is replaced by an artificial joint. Osteoarthritis resulting from “wear and tear” of the knee is the most common reason individuals need to undergo knee replacement

Here are definitions of medical terms related to knee replacement: ambulating: To walk from place to place; move about arthroplasty: An artificial joint or implant articular cartilage: The smooth lining that covers and protects the bone ends inside a joint avascular necrosis: Tissue death resulting from inadequate blood supply to the affected part of a bone continuous passive motion: If

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on knee replacement: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons  Phone: 847/823-7186 Phone: 800/346-2267 http://www.aaos.org American Physical Therapy Association  Phone: 800/999-APTA (2782) http://www.apta.org Arthritis Foundation  Phone: 404/872-7100 Phone: 800/283-7800 http://www.arthritis.org American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals  Phone: 404/633-3777 Fax: 404/633-1870 http://www.rheumatology.org National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal