TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
MKMG Orthopedics
90 S. Bedford Road
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914)2421365
DIET
1.
2.
May resume your regular diet as tolerated.
It is normal to experience nausea and/or vomiting after surgery. We do
give medication to reduce its incidence. This may also be a side effect of
the pain medication or the anesthesia. As nausea resolves, start to
replenish fluids (drink water) and eat food that are easy to digest (toast,
saltines, etc.). If you experience continued nausea/vomiting, then contact
us immediately
3.
Constipation may also occur from the pain medication and/or iron pills, if
this occurs try to increase fluid, fiber, and fruit intake. You may also buy
Colace at the drug store.
MEDICATION
1.
Pain medication will be prescribed for you. Take this as directed. It is
important that you are able to participate in Physical Therapy and perform
directed exercises.
2.
A blood thinner will be prescribed for you in order to minimize the
problems related to blood clots. You will be on either Lovenox, Coumadin
or Aspirin. When you return to home, if you are on Coumadin, your blood
will need to be drawn 1-2 times a week in order to properly adjust your
dose. This will be done at the MKMG Coumadin Clinic headed by Louise
Katzin, RN. You will need to contact the MKMG Coumadin Clinic to
make arrangements. This is not necessary if you have been placed on
Aspirin only. Please call your surgeons office if you are on coumadin and
do not have someone following your lab draws. You may be on a blood
thinner for up to six weeks.
3.
Alcohol is permitted, but only in moderation, ONE DRINK PER DAY
ACTIVITY
1.
While in bed, keep operative leg elevated to decrease swelling and pain.
Do not keep a pillow UNDER your knee if you have undergone knee
replacement as the pillow will create a contracture. The idea is to get full
extension of your leg.
2.
Walk with crutches or walker initially but progress to a cane as soon as
Physical Therapists says that it is safe to do so. You may be able to start
with a cane within a couple of weeks of the surgery. You are allowed
weight bearing as tolerated. Range of motion is as tolerated.
3.
There are exceptions to weight bearing status and range of motion may be
restricted. Your surgeon will specifically identify this to you if needed.
4.
Post-op Exercises: walk, isometrics, and ROM exercises. You are
allowed to go outside prior to first post-op visit. Bend knee as tolerated;
continue exercises as instructed by Physical Therapy to achieve increased
range of motion.
5.
You may not drive for a month if you are taking narcotic medication or if
your right knee has been operated on. You may be a passenger in a car at
any time. If you are not taking narcotic medication or if your left knee
was operated on, then you may start driving as comfort dictates.
6.
You may travel by plane after two weeks; you may want to reserve an
aisle seat for comfort.
7.
When able, may participate in water aerobics (after 6 week post-operative
visit), low impact aerobics, golf, bowling, Nordic track. Higher impact
sports or activities may be possible, but check with your physician before
undertaking these activities
8.
Kneeling after knee replacement is allowed. It will not damage your knee
replacement. A kneepad may make it more comfortable.
INCISION CARE
1.
Do not submerse incision under water (i.e. bathing, swimming) until
cleared by your physician. Showering is permitted.
2.
Call for any drainage from incision, redness, swelling, increased pain, or
temperature greater than 101 degrees F
3.
It is normal to have some numbness around the incisional area, this may
resolve in 6 months to a year, but may be permanent
4.
Bruising and warmth of the incision is normal for 4 to 6 weeks after
surgery.
5.
Swelling of knee, leg, and foot is normal and may persist up to 6 months
to a year.
If you experience increased pain, swelling, drainage from the incision,
numbness/tingling, redness, or temperature greater than 101 degrees F, please call us
immediately.
PATIENTS' MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AFTER
TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY/PARTIAL KNEE
ARTHROPLASTY
Staples are removed at 2 weeks from date of surgery
1ST post-op visit is 4weeks from date of surgery if you have staples
1st post-op visit is 2 weeks from date of surgery if you have sutures
Please call: (914)242-1365 for an appointment
When will my staples or sutures be removed?
At approximately two weeks from your surgical date. They will be removed, SteriStrips are applied and will eventually wash off. Staples will be removed at the rehab
center or at home and the sutures will be removed in the office.
How long will I remain on anticoagulation (blood thinners)?
This is prescribed for up to 6 weeks post-operatively. This is not necessary if you
have been placed on aspirin only.
Is swelling of my knee, leg, foot, and ankle normal?
Yes, for three to six months. To decrease swelling, elevate your leg and apply ice for 20
minutes at a time (3-4 times a day).
Is it normal to feel numbness around the knee?
Yes, it is normal to feel numbness on the inside and outside of the knee.
What exercise should I perform at home?
Please do exercises as instructed by your Physical Therapist. Please refer to the knee
replacement booklet.
How long will I need to use a cane?
This varies with each patient. Usually between 2-6 weeks.
May I go outdoors prior to my six-week visit?
Yes, we encourage you to do so.
May I drive or ride in a car before my 6-week visit?
Yes, you may ride in a car, however, you must be off all pain medications prior to
driving. It is a patient's responsibility to determine his or her own safety. If your right
knee is replaced, you should wait for a month before driving.
Why is my leg bruised?
It is common to have bruising on the skin. It is from the normal accumulation of blood
after your surgery.
What is the maximum range an artificial knee can achieve?
This depends on your preoperative range-of-motion. Your final range-of-motion will be
close to the range-of-motion that you had before the surgery.
Please note:
All discharge questions will be answered at your follow-up exam. For nonemergency questions please call the assistant for each physician:
For all emergencies or for questions, please call 914-242-1365. If you do not
speak with someone immediately then please go to your nearest emergency
room.