Newcastleorthopaedics.com.au

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS FOR
KNEE REPLACEMENT
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILST WAITING FOR YOUR KNEE REPLACEMENT
In The Months Leading Up To Your Joint Replacement -
Any other medical problems you have would normally have been considered when you saw your surgeon at the time of booking your operation. However, if your medical condition changes whilst waiting for your joint replacement operation, then it may be a good idea to contact either Dr. Harbury or the specialist looking after that particular problem to ensure that it will not affect your surgery. If you do see another specialist, please ask them to forward a copy of the reports to Dr. Harbury at the above address.
Whilst waiting for your operation it may be a good idea to have any outstanding dental work performed. Also, after your joint replacement let your dentist know that you have a joint replacement as he may decide to give you antibiotics for any future dental work.
Gentlemen should discuss any prostate problems (symptoms such as difficulty in urination, poor stream or frequent urination) with their local doctor as prostate problems can cause retention of urine in the bladder which If you normally see a podiatrist for foot care this should be done well in advance of your operation, to allow your feet to settle. Signs of inflammation or infection anywhere in the body can lead to a joint replacement operation being If you have any sun spots or cancers that you are worried about, please have these attended to well in advance of your operation also, as these wounds can sometimes be very slow to settle after surgical removal.
In The Month Leading Up To Surgery –
Patients being operated upon in the public hospital should normally have been contacted by the pre-operative clinic by this time and if not, please contact them via the Maitland Hospital switchboard.
Patients to be operated upon in the private hospital would normally have an understanding of their care plan including any specialist reviews, if this is unclear please contact my rooms as necessary.
Skin Care
Be very cautious in this period to avoid any scratches, insect bites or other wounds upon the skin. Inflammation or infection on the skin anywhere on the body may cause postponement of your operation. Avoidance of gardening (particularly in shorts) is advisable in the period leading up to your operation.
Medications
Please cease any anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, Iboprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren, Mobic or Celebrex) seven days prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise. Other anticoagulant medication (Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Plavix or Pradaxa/Dagibatran) will also need to be ceased but this will be discussed with you prior to your operation. Do not stop other medications unless instructed by your specialist or other medical practitioner involved in your care. If you are unsure please ask at the pre-operative clinic or at your specialist appointment.
66 King St, East Maitland NSW 2323 Tel: 02 4934 6600 Fax: 02 4934 6622 HOME CHANGES FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT
In the period leading up to your joint replacement it is advisable to make some changes around the home to make your post-operative course easier. The following preparations may be useful: 1. Obtain a comfortable chair with a high seat and solid arms as it can be uncomfortable to rise from a low chair in the first few weeks after your surgery.
2. Similarly, your bed should be of a sufficient height to allow you to easily stand up from it. It may be appropriate to raise it on blocks in the short term or get a substitute bed.
3. All extension cords and loose rugs should be removed from around your home, or taped in such a way that 4. A plastic garden chair for use in the shower is a good idea until you feel safe and confident without the aid of 5. Remember that you will usually have one or possibly two sticks. As such, you will need a wider area than normal to walk. Have a look around your home and visualise yourself in this way, and consider moving the furniture to make your home safer for this period.
In Hospital Stay:
The length of in hospital stay will vary dependent upon which procedure you have performed, your recovery and your home circumstance as well as your general medical fitness. A stay of 5 to 7 days is average. If you have concerns that you may need longer than this then rehabilitation can be discussed prior to your operation.
Early knee movement after knee replacement is extremely important as otherwise the joint can become stiff and less useful to you in the long term. As such, the physiotherapist under your surgeon’s guidance will be active in encouraging you to move this joint. It may be uncomfortable for you to do so but appropriate pain relief can be administered and it is important to try to persist.
Upon discharge from hospital you will be reviewed at approximately ten days after your operation in Dr. Harbury’s rooms (or Maitland Public Hospital) at which point he will review the wound and remove any clips/sutures. You will then be reviewed approximately six weeks after your operation, usually with an x-ray. Follow up after this will be You will be issued with TED compression stockings after your operation. You should wear these for six weeks after your operation. If there are any problems please discuss this with Dr. Harbury.
Driving After Your Knee Replacement
The Road and Traffic Authority recommends not driving until six weeks after your operation. In rare circumstances you may be able to drive sooner, Dr. Harbury will discuss this with you. 66 King St, East Maitland NSW 2323 Tel: 02 4934 6600 Fax: 02 4934 6622

Source: http://www.newcastleorthopaedics.com.au/files/RH-Instruction-Sheet-Knee-Replacement.pdf