Patient Guide for Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery may be recommended when joint damage causes ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility. This guide explains how to prepare before surgery, what to expect in hospital, and the key steps during recovery.

What to Know Before and After Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery

1.  Preparing for Surgery

• Medical Preparation:
  • Complete all pre-surgery tests (e.g., blood work, X-rays, ECG) as advised by your doctor.
  • Discuss all medications with your surgeon. You may need to stop certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) days or weeks before surgery.
  • Inform your doctor about any health conditions, allergies, or recent infections.
• Physical Preparation:
  • Engage in pre-surgery exercises (if recommended) to strengthen muscles around the joint.
  • Practice using crutches or a walker to get comfortable with mobility aids.
  • Maintain a healthy diet to support healing; quit smoking to reduce complications.
• Home Preparation:
  • Arrange for someone to help you at home post-surgery for at least 1–2 weeks.
  • Set up a recovery area on one floor with easy access to essentials (e.g., bed, bathroom).
  • Remove tripping hazards (e.g., rugs, cords, children’s toys) and install handrails or grab bars if needed.
• Logistics:
  • Plan transportation to and from the hospital.
  • Pack a small bag with essentials (e.g., comfortable clothes, toiletries, ID, insurance details).
  • Follow fasting instructions (usually no food or drink after midnight before surgery).

2.  About the Surgery and Potential Complications

• Procedure Overview:
  • Knee or hip replacement surgery typically takes 1–2 hours under general or regional anaesthesia.
  • The surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces them with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
  • The procedure aims to relieve pain and restore joint function.

• Potential Complications (rare but possible):
  • Infection: Occurs in <2% of cases; may require antibiotics or additional surgery.
  • Blood Clots: Risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); prevented with blood thinners or compression devices.
  • Implant Issues: Loosening or wear over time (rare in the short term).
  • Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Uncommon but can cause numbness or weakness.
  • Stiffness or Pain: May persist if rehabilitation is not followed.
  • Your surgical team will take steps to minimize these risks.

3.  What to Expect in the Hospital

• Length of Stay:
  • Typically, 3-4 days, depending on your age, health and recovery progress.
• Post-Surgery:
  • You will wake up in a recovery room, monitored for vital signs.
  • Pain management will include medications (e.g., oral pills, IV drugs) to keep you comfortable.
  • A physical therapist may help you start moving (e.g., standing or walking with support) within hours or the next day.
• Daily Routine:
  • Nurses will monitor your incision, vital signs, and overall condition.
  • You will begin gentle exercises to improve mobility and prevent stiffness.
  • You may have a catheter, IV line, or compression devices temporarily.
• Discharge Planning:
  • Your team will ensure you can walk safely with a walker and manage basic tasks. Upon discharge, you should be able to walk with a walker to and from your room to the kitchen and toilet.
  • You will receive instructions from our team on wound care, medications, and follow-up appointments.

4. What to Expect After Discharge

• Recovery Timeline:
  • First 2 Weeks: Focus on rest, wound care, and gentle movement. You’ll need help with daily tasks (e.g., cooking, bathing).
  • Weeks 3–6: Increased mobility with physical therapy; most patients transition from walker to cane.
  • 3–6 Months: Full recovery, with improved strength and function; return to most activities (e.g., driving, light exercise, travelling).
• At Home:
  • Pain and Swelling: Normal for a few weeks; use prescribed pain medications and ice packs.
  • Mobility: Use crutches or a walker as directed; avoid twisting or high-impact movements.
  • Physical Therapy: Attend sessions (2–3 times per week) and do prescribed home exercises to regain strength and range of motion.
  • Wound Care: Keep the incision clean and dry; watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever).

• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities (e.g., running and jumping)
  • Use assistive devices (e.g., raised toilet seat, shower chair) to prevent falls.
  • Follow a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support healing.
• Follow-Up:
  • Attend all follow-up appointments (usually 2–6 weeks post-surgery) to monitor progress.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, severe pain, swelling, or shortness of breath.

Final Tips:

• Stay positive and patient; recovery takes time but leads to significant improvement in quality of life.
• Communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns.
• Adhere to your rehabilitation plan for the best outcome.

If you have specific questions or need further details, consult your surgeon or healthcare provider. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery!