How to Recover From Total Knee Replacement
- 1). Review care plans with the doctor performing the surgery. You will be provided with written materials as well as videos and a model of the knee to study while the doctor explains what will occur during the surgery. The medical staff will assess your knowledge and understanding of what was covered.
- 2). Take part in ambulatory training sessions with nursing or rehabilitative staff prior to the surgery so that you will know what to expect as well as how to use a wheelchair, a walker, or a brace. At this time, medical staff will also advise against physical activity for at least 2 months following the knee replacement surgery.
- 3). Following surgery, the patient will be turned from side to side every two hours to help circulation and muscle activity. The operated leg should be elevated and avoiding passive flexion of the knee. On the first day post-op, the patient will be encouraged to transfer out of bed, with mild weight bearing on the injured leg only with the use of an assistive device.
- 4). Encourage the patient to perform active dorsiplantar flexion, isometric quadriceps setting exercises and straight leg raises (after any drains are removed) every two hours until fully ambulatory, then 4 times a day.
- 5). Encourage a knee patient to sit up for meals or in a chair as tolerated. The more the knee is used, but better it will heal. Avoid abrupt movements, and always be careful to follow the instructions of the nurses or therapists while still under their care.
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