Hospitalization
 Patients
are admitted on the day of surgery and hospitalized for 4-7 days. During
the hospital stay, the emphasis is placed on regaining knee motion and
strength, and activities of daily living. The faster patients are able to
return home, the better they often do.
If more assistance is required or there is no one at home, a week or
two in a rehabilitation facility or appropriate nursing home will help in
regaining independence. Therapy should begin at home with daily range of
motion exercises and strengthening. This may be aided by the use of a
physical therapist, but in the highly motivated patient, therapy may be
done entirely on a home program. Straight leg raising, bending over a
chair, and maintaining extension over a rolled towel beneath the ankle are
used with ambulation and functional exercise such as an exercise bicycle
to regain function.
Blood transfusion
Transfusions are usually required and we encourage patients to donate
their own blood prior to surgery to minimize the risk of disease
transmission. Two units of blood are usually donated, allowing one week
between each unit, and one additional week between the donation of the
second unit and surgery. In some instances, erytropoetin (a normal hormone
which encourages you to make your own blood) may be given to raise the
blood count before surgery and avoid any use of transfusion.
Conclusion
Total Knee Replacement is a highly effective treatment for severe knee
arthritis. In patients with limited walking tolerance, quality of life is
improved dramatically. Although there is some risk in the surgical
intervention, the ultimate outcome is nearly always of great benefit, and
allows unlimited walking tolerance and pain relief.
Compliments of:
Jack Goldstein, MD
Center for Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics and Podiatry
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