Successful surgery is always a cooperative effort between you, the orthopaedic surgeon and the people who help you recover from surgery. It is important to follow instructions so that your surgery will proceed as planned. Follow the directions given to you by your orthopaedic surgeon and call your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.
The surgery to repair or replace a loosened prosthetic knee joint is usually more difficult than your original knee replacement surgery. This is because there is often less bone for your orthopaedic surgeon to work with and bone grafting is sometimes needed to help improve the quality of bone and tissue and secure the implant. The recovery period is often longer for revision knee surgery because the patient is typically older and often in weaker general health.
Prior to revision knee surgery be sure to ask about all of the following:
Pre-operative procedure
You and your orthopaedic surgeon may participate in an initial surgical consultation, which includes pre-operative X-rays, a bone scan, a complete medical and surgical history, physical examination, and a review of medications and allergies. During this visit, your orthopaedic surgeon will most likely review your revision knee procedure and answer any questions you may have. In addition, your orthopaedic surgeon may require that you have a complete physical examination by your internist or family physician, as you will need to be cleared medically by your physician before undergoing this extensive procedure. Your orthopaedic surgeon may suggest that you consider donating your own blood to save in case you need it during surgery or post-operatively.
Your orthopaedic surgeon may ask you to consult a physical therapist to discuss your recovery, knee rehabilitation program and the important precautions you must take after your revision knee surgery. The physical therapist may also give you instruction on exercises that you can begin prior to your surgery that will make the recovery much easier.
Getting your house ready before your surgery
Since you will be spending a lot of time at home following your hospital stay and your movements will be restricted, there are a few things you should do to make life as easy and safe as possible for when you arrive home. For starters, you should arrange your furniture and household items for maximum convenience during your rehabilitation. Some things you may wish to complete before surgery:
- Remove all throw rugs and anything else on the floor that may cause you to slip or trip.
- Move all phone and electrical cords close to the walls.
- Add extra cushions to couches and chairs for comfort. This will help to ensure that you will be sitting high enough to accommodate your new knee during your rehabilitation period. You will also find it much easier to get up from a sitting position.
- Arrange to have an elevated toilet seat and/or support bars fitted for your bathroom when it is time to leave the hospital.
Help at home
The nurse assisting you and your family in planning for your care at home can offer home healthcare or alternative living sources and information. If the discharge plan is to spend a week or so in an extended care facility, plan time to visit the facilities in your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Preparation for the hospital
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack and prepare for the hospital.
Clothing:
Getting dressed in the morning helps you feel better, so be sure to bring some comfortable clothing to the hospital:
- Loose shorts or pants
- Loose tops or t-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Short robe or pajamas
- Toiletries
Shoes:
Bringing proper shoe wear to the hospital is important. Choose a shoe with a low closed heel of less than one inch. Gym shoes and walking shoes are fine.
Walking aids
If you are currently utilizing a walking aid (walker, cane, wheelchair or crutches) bring it with you to the hospital.
Days before surgery
In the days before surgery you should follow your regular diet and try to get long, restful nights of sleep. Your doctor will also provide you with a list of instructions regarding use of medications in the days leading up to your surgery. In some cases, a blood thinner may be ordered a few days before surgery. Generally, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be taken seven days prior to surgery.
The night before surgery you may not eat or drink after midnight, but you may have a few sips of water, if needed, to take medications. On the morning of surgery, you may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water.
Day of surgery
Once admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery, you will be taken to the appropriate pre-surgical area where the nursing staff will take your vital signs and administer needed medications.
You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry, contacts, glasses, dentures and nail polish. Then you will be placed on a stretcher and transported to the operating room area. The anesthesiologist will meet you there and review the medications and procedures to be used during surgery. An IV will be inserted and final preparations for your surgery are made.
