Successful surgery is always a cooperative effort between you, the orthopaedic surgeon and the people who help you recover from surgery. You have a very important role in preparing for your knee replacement surgery. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon if a Joint Replacement Class is available through the surgeon’s office or the hospital. The class will teach you how to care for your new knee and what to expect while you are in the hospital. You will also learn about the equipment you will be using after surgery and safe methods for walking and getting out of bed. It is very helpful to have a family member or friend attend the class with you.
Prior to your knee replacement surgery be sure to ask about all of the following:
Pre-operative procedure
To prepare, you and your surgeon may participate in an initial consultation during which you will discuss pre-operative X-rays, complete medical history, physical examination and a review of medications and allergies. During this visit, your surgeon will most likely review your knee replacement procedure and answer any questions you may have. In addition, your orthopaedic surgeon may also require that you have a complete physical examination by your internist or family physician, as you will need to be cleared medically before undergoing this extensive procedure. Your surgeon may also ask that you donate your own blood in case you need it during surgery or post-operatively.
Your surgeon may also ask you to consult with a physical therapist to discuss recovery, a knee rehabilitation program and important precautions you must take after your surgery. Finally, your orthopaedic surgeon and hospital may require that you visit the admissions department prior to surgery to pre-certify your knee replacement procedure with your insurance company.
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 a few things you should do to make life as easy and safe as possible for when you arrive home. Some of them may seem obvious but nevertheless they are worthy of your attention in advance just as a precaution. For starters, you should arrange furniture and household items for maximum convenience during your rehabilitation. Remove throw rugs or anything else that could cause you to slip or trip. Move electrical and phone cords closer to walls. Add extra cushions to your couches and chairs for comfort. This will ensure that you will be sitting high enough to accommodate your new knee and will help make it easier to get up from a sitting position. Finally, arrange to have an elevated toilet seat or support bars fitted for your bathroom when its time to leave the hospital.
Help at home
The nurse assisting you and your family can offer home healthcare or alternative living sources and information. Plan time to visit the facilities in your area to find one that best suits your needs if the discharge plan is to spend a week or so in an extended care facility.
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 closed heel or less than one inch. Gym shoes and walking shoes are fine.
Walking aids:
If you are currently using a walking aid (walker, cane, wheelchair or crutches) bring it with you to the hospital.
Days before surgery
In the days before surgery follow your regular diet and try to get long, restful nights of sleep. In the days leading up to your surgery, your doctor will provide a list of instructions regarding medication use. In some cases, a blood thinner may be ordered a few days before surgery. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should generally not be taken seven days prior to surgery.
The night before surgery, do not eat or drink after midnight. 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, start intravenous (IV) fluids and administer needed medications.
You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry, contacts, glasses, dentures and even nail polish. Then you will be placed on a cart 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.
