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Knee & Hip Replacement Community

Preop knee surgery questions to ask and postop rec...

Several surgeons can do a great job of installation. However, they tend to fail when it...

Posted by Bobc811

Several surgeons can do a great job of installation. However, they tend to fail when it comes to the recovery process. And they care most about making money on the installation and nothing about the recovery process.

Knee replacement is many times more difficult than is a hip replacement.

The recovery process will take nearly a full year. While big gains can be realized within a short period of time, the final gains will come more slowly.

Determine how many days you will be in the hospital. Three to five is recommended. Run if the Dr tells you only 2 days are needed. The Dr and hospital are just trying to save money.

Watch for the quick build up of scar tissue, internal bleeding and muscle spasms. Each will inhibit flex and extension and must be treated before the physical therapist can do his work effectively. Ask the Dr if he has ever encountered post operation build up of scar tissue, internal bleeding and/or muscle spasms and what he did about them. In the event that you experience those symptoms, ask him what drugs he will prescribe.

What physical therapy will be administered while in the hospital? Early manipulation will help keep the buildup of scar tissue at a minimum.

Identify the physical therapist you will utilize and interview them for experience in knee recovery. They need to be experienced in recognizing the need to break down scar tissue and stretch out ligaments, tendons and muscles in the leg i.e. quads and hamstring. They need to work the leg, hips and lower back as each will enhance the degree of recovery. They need to recognize the cause of sciatic nerve pain and remedy it.

Do not allow the Dr or physical therapist to tell you that the definition of recovery is no pain and 90 degrees of flex (ability to bend the knee back towards the butt) You will need at least 130 degrees of flex and full leg extension. You want to be able to walk up and down stairs and be able to tie your shoe or put your sock on.

While you will want to go to Phys Therapy 3 times a week, be prepared to work on your own at home during the off days. Be prepared for a good deal of pain as the knee is manipulated. The act of breaking down the scar tissue is very painful.

Some doctors advocate the use of an electrical CPM machine. My doctor does not believe in them or any machine, which inhibited my recovery. The second doctor I engaged advocated the use of the light weight, portable and manual KneeRite devise, which I used to great success and satisfaction. I still use it and credit it with being able to reach 125 degrees of flex. It was especially effective in between phys therapy visits.

Use vitamin E oil on the scar as it will help smooth out the visual and hel it to blend in better.

Finally, be prepared to be laid up for roughly three weeks and to wean yourself off of the oxycontine as quickly as is possible. Also, some degree of depression will likely set in after a couple of weeks. Let the tears flow and move on.
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Posted byBobc811

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Reply: total knee replacement after 6 months can you clim...

Check with your phys therapist who may need to more eextensively manipulate the IT band,...

Posted by Bobc811

32 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:total knee replacement after 6 months can you climb step ladders etc. Check with your phys therapist who may need to more eextensively manipulate the IT band,...

postop pain management

Consult with the anethesiologist relative to a pain management clinic who can help. In some...

Posted by Bobc811

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1 of 1 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:postop pain management Consult with the anethesiologist relative to a pain management clinic who can help. In some...

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