Knee joint replacement

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Knee joint replacement prosthesis

Knee joint replacement - series

The pain should gradually decrease, and by the third day after surgery, pills may be sufficient to control your pain. Try to schedule your pain medications about one-half hour before walking or position changes.

You will also return from surgery with several IV (intravenous) lines in place to provide fluid and nutrition. The IV will remain in place until you are able to drink adequate amounts of fluids.

Antibiotics may be given to reduce the risk of developing an infection, which would require removal of the artificial joint.

You will also return from surgery wearing anti-embolism (anti-clot) stockings or inflatable pneumatic compression stockings. These devices are used to reduce your risk of developing blood clots, which are more common after leg surgery.

Additionally, you will be encouraged to start moving and walking as early as the first day after surgery. You will be assisted out of bed to a chair on the first day after surgery. When in bed, bend and straighten your ankles frequently to prevent development of blood clots.

You may be instructed on how to use an incentive spirometry device (a plastic device to encourage deep breathing), and cough and deep breathing exercises to gradually increase the depth of your breaths in order to prevent lung collapse and pneumonia.

A foley catheter may be inserted during surgery to monitor the function of your kidneys and hydration level. This will be removed on the second or third day after surgery. You will be encouraged to try to walk to the bathroom with assistance.

Knee joint replacement may be recommended for:

• knee pain that has failed to respond to conservative therapy (including medication, injections, and physical therapy for 6 months or more)
• knee pain that limits or prevents activities of importance to the patient
• arthritis of the knee
• decreased knee function caused by arthritis
• inability to sleep through the night because of knee pain
• some tumors involving the knee

• current knee infection
• poor skin coverage around the knee
• paralysis of the quadriceps muscles
• severe peripheral vascular disease or neuropathy affecting the knee
• severe limiting mental dysfunction
• terminal disease (metastatic disease)
• morbid obesity (over 300 lb.)

Review Date: 08/08/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.