Patient Education: Knee Replacement

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Before surgery, you may need a general physical exam by your regular doctor. In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for surgery. You may be asked to lose extra weight, since extra weight will put more stress on your new knee. You may be asked to avoid aspirin for two weeks before surgery to minimize bleeding. You may also be asked to stop smoking to help decrease the chance of post-operative lung complications. 

You should also finish any dental work that may be needed to prevent germs in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and infecting the joint. It is also important for you to know that if you are having dental work (after you have received your prosthesis) that you inform your dentist about your joint replacement. He or she may want to put you on an antibiotic to prevent the possibility of an infection to your new joint. Also, if you develop an infection such as respiratory or bladder infection, you should notify your physician for the same reason. 

A blood transfusion is often necessary after a knee surgery. You may wish to donate several pints of blood prior to surgery. Then if you require a transfusion you will receive your own blood. It is important to note that when donating blood you must be healthy, with no cold or flu, as you would get this same illness when your blood is transferred at the time of surgery. 

When making preparation for surgery, you should begin thinking about your recovery following surgery. A patient with a new knee replacement may need help at home for the first few weeks to assist with dressing, getting meals, and other essential tasks. Therefore, you should look into possibly finding somebody to help assist you or making arrangements to stay a few weeks in an extended care facility.

To prevent blood clotting you may be fitted with elastic supported stockings. You should wear them on both legs to the hospital the morning of your surgery. These stockings will aid in the circulation of your legs and feet to reduce the risk of blood clots. You will also be asked to shower the day before and the day of the surgery. You will be instructed to perform a 5 minutes scrub to the surgical area using a provided antiseptic brush. The brushes contain a special soap that will reduce the risk of infection so if you are allergic to Iodine or soap please notify the nurse or your doctor as soon as possible. 

Finally, you may be instructed in deep breathing exercise to minimize the risk of lung complications after surgery. These exercises are necessary to remove any secretions that may settle in your lungs while you are asleep during surgery. These exercises should be done every one or two hours after surgery.

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