Your Knee Replacement Surgery
You will most likely arrive at the hospital on the morning of surgery. In many cases, pre-op tests are done days or even weeks ahead of time. Follow all of your surgeon's instructions on preparing for surgery. When you arrive, you'll be given forms to fill out. You may also talk with the anesthesiologist (the doctor who gives the anesthesia), if you haven't done so already. It's normal to feel a little nervous. But rest assured: This is a common surgery that tends to have very good results.
You will be told when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. If you take a daily medication, ask if you should still take it the morning of surgery. At the hospital, your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be checked. An IV (intravenous) line may be started to provide fluids and medications needed during surgery.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, total knee replacement has possible risks and complications. These include the following:
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Damage to nearby blood vessels, bones, or nerves
- Dislocation of the kneecap
When the surgical team is ready, you'll be taken to the operating room. There you'll be given anesthesia. The anesthesia will help you sleep through surgery, or it will make you numb from the waist down. Then an incision is made on the front or side of your knee. Any damaged bone is cleaned away, and the new joint is put into place. The incision is closed with staples or stitches.
All of the bone surfaces of the joint are shaped to hold the prosthesis. Then the parts of the prosthesis are put in place. At this point, your surgeon tests the fit and alignment of the prosthesis.
If the prosthesis fits correctly, its parts are secured to the thighbone, kneecap, and shinbone. Then these parts are joined. Together they form the new joint.
After surgery you'll be sent to the recovery room, also called the PACU (postanesthesia care unit). Your condition will be watched closely, and you'll be given pain medications. You may have a catheter (small tube) in your bladder and a drain in your knee. A CPM (continuous passive motion) machine may be used on your knee. This machine gently bends the knee to keep it from getting stiff.
This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.