So, you have decided to have a Total Knee Replacement. Most likely you will have to wait 6 to 12 weeks for the surgery. During this time, you can do things to help ensure a successful outcome.
Pre-surgical physical therapy (PT)
Strengthening and stretching the muscles of the entire leg will help to attain better function after surgery. At Town and Country, we can evaluate you and design a program that addresses your specific needs. (BTW: If you mention this blog your visit will be complimentary!) Of course, thereafter, you will have the option of participating in a short course of PT in order to prepare for surgery without increased pain. You should prepare your home in advance, as well.
Home Preparation — Here’s what to do:
Arrange for help around the house, including meal preparation.
Arrange for transportation, most patients cannot drive for 4-6 weeks.
Remove throw rugs and electrical cords to decrease the risk of tripping and/or falling.
Consider having grab bars installed near the toilet and in the shower.
A shower chair and a hand held shower head can be helpful and improve safety.
Have cold packs handy, and use them often.
A comfortable chair with an ottoman is important to elevate the leg and reduce swelling.
Total Knee Replacement Surgical Procedure:
The surgery is actually a resurfacing of the bones that create the knee joint. These includes the lower end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia). Some surgeries also resurface the back of the kneecap (patella).
The surgery can be done under general anesthesia or with a spinal nerve block. A peripheral nerve block may be offered to help alleviate any post-operative pain.
The surgeon makes an incision over the kneecap and turns the patella over.
The knee is bent to 90 degrees.
The bony ends of the femur and tibia are partially removed and reshaped to perfectly fit the prostheses.
The prostheses are then permanently attached to the prepared bones
The back of the kneecap also maybe resurfaced and a flexible plastic cushion is attached to the new top of the tibia.
Tissues that were cut or stretched are repaired and the surface skin is stitched closed.
The majority of patients stay at least one night in the hospital.
As you can see, this surgery causes significant trauma to the knee, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate pain, improve function and return YOU to an active lifestyle.
Look for part three in this series when I discuss our highly effective postoperative rehabilitation plan.
Thanks for your interest and attention,
Beth Pantages, PT & Owner
Image from rawpixel.com
