Bathing: A shower, bath or sponge bath should be taken the evening be-fore and morning of surgery. If you are allergic to iodine or soap, please
inform the nurse.
Care after surgery
After surgery, the patients are monitored in the intensive care unit until post op stabilization and are transferred to the ward. It is important that any numb-ness, tingling or sudden severe pain in your feet and legs should be reported to the nurse immediately during this period. These are some of the things you would find after your surgery:
Dressing is applied to the surgical area. (Changed 2-3 days after the surgery)
A suction drain that has tubes leading directly into the surgical area.
An IV line that will continue till you are capable of taking adequate amounts of fluid by mouth.
Post-operative nausea or vomiting that can be reduced by anti-nausea medication.
Elastic stockings:
You may be fitted with suitable elastic surgical stockings that help prevent blood clots and improve circulation. You may wear these stockings every day for six to eight weeks following surgery.
Physical Therapy and Exercise program
When muscles are not used, they become weak and do not perform well in supporting and moving the body. Your leg muscles are probably weak because you have not used them much due to your knee problems. The surgery can correct the knee problem, but the muscles will remain weak and will be strengthened through regular exercise. You will be assisted and advised how to do this under therapist supervision.
Instituted in the immediate post operative period
Elevation and positioning of the leg.
Thigh muscles tightening- loosening for both legs
Movements of the Ankle and Toes to prevent blood clots.
Straight lifting of the legs.
Coughing and deep breathing exercises to help prevent complications.
Mobility in bed – Turning to normal side and lifting the buttocks helps to prevent bedsores.
Once the dressing is reduced your doctor may advice you to under go venous doppler study. (checking of blood clots in legs)
After that your doctor will decide when to make you walk and start knee bending exercises. Ambulatory activity like walking with the help of a walking aid, bearing as much weight as indicated by your doctor or physiotherapist, and often a support is applied to operated leg to pro-vide stability if your muscles are weak.
In case of both knees replacement, ambulation is done with supports for few days.
Getting discharged
Your consultant doctor will decide when to discharge once he ensures wound healing is good and your walking with the walker is satisfactory. He will review prescription for medication, home exercise and follow up date for staple removal. Your physical therapy will continue till you become more independent in your exercises, transfer from bed to chair, staircase climbing and other activities your therapist has designed for you.
Guidelines for care
Your knee replacement should give you years of service. You can protect it by taking a few simple tips for safety and greater efficiency
Do’s
- Exercise to maintain knee movement.
- Cold application.
- Weight reduction program if obese.
- Bathroom modifications.
- Prevent infection, urinary ,dental etc, because your new knee is sensitive to infection.
- Swimming, driving, normal family life and social activities.
- In case of injury to your new knee apply ice and consult your doctor immediately.
Don’ts
- Hot fomentation.
- Forceful bending of artificial knee.
- Bending beyond 120 degrees.
- Massage over the artificial knee.
- Squatting and low sitting.
- Sudden jerky and rotating movements.
- Crossed leg sitting.
- Cycling.
- Activities that over load the artificial knee must be avoided.
Follow-up care:
When you leave the hospital, you will be given a schedule of follow-up visits. These visits will ensure the long-term success of your operatio.
