RELEVANT LINKS:
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgical Technique
Partial Knee Replacement (UNI) Surgical Technique
What Activities May I Participate In After I Recover?
Postoperative Unicompartment Rehabilitation Protocol
Postoperative TKR Rehabilitation Protocol




Introduction to Artificial Joint Replacements
•    Joint replacement means replacing the worn-out, painful joint surfaces of the knee
     with metal and plastic components
•    Utilized if biologic knee replacement fails
•    If only one part of the knee is worn, a partial (uni) knee replacement can be
     performed
•    Can last up to 20 years


 Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgical Technique
•    The goal of knee replacement surgery is the restoration of normal knee joint function
•    Incisions have become smaller with new minimally-invasive techniques
•    The upper (femur) and lower (tibia) bone surfaces are prepared and the prosthetic
     implants are placed
•    A plastic spacer is inserted and can be replaced to prolong the lifespan of the
     artificial joint


Partial Knee Replacement (UNI) Surgical Technique
•    When you wear out only one side of your knee joint, a partial knee device or
     unicondylar knee replacement is used
•    Our goal is to minimize the loss of normal tissue and replace only the damaged area
•    The existing ligaments and muscles are maintained for stability and movement of the
     knee
•    The knee compartment is resurfaced, implants are placed, and the knee joint's range
     of motion is checked by bending and straightening your leg


Options for Blood Transfusion
•    Blood transfusions are sometimes used to restore blood volume after joint
     replacement
•    Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
•    A blood transfusion is usually given to increase the number of blood cells that are
     available to carry oxygen
•    There are several options available for your blood transfusion
•    Patients can choose to receive their own previously-donated blood, or blood from
     another donor


Understanding Postoperative Pain Medications
•    Unfortunately, pain following major surgery is inevitable
•    There are several very effective methods available to control the pain following
     surgery
•    Options include: intravenous injections, patient controlled analgesia (PCA),
     intramuscular injections, pills by mouth, and an epidural catheter, amongst others


What Activities May I Participate In After I Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery?
•    After undergoing knee replacement surgery, it is important to try to return to as active
     a lifestyle as possible
•    Most patients resume driving between 4-6 weeks
•    You are encouraged to climb stairs step over step immediately
•    Lower stress activities such as golfing, hiking, walking, biking, snow and waterskiing,
     stationary skiing, and swimming are encouraged
•    We take our patients’ pain very seriously and will do everything available to safely
     and effectively treat it


Taking Care of Your Lungs After Total Joint Replacement
•    Taking care of your lungs after surgery is an important part of the success of your
     surgery
•    It is important that your lungs are working at their best following surgery to ensure
     that you get plenty of oxygen to the tissues of the body that are trying to heal
•    Lungs that are not exercised properly can lead to poor blood oxygen levels and even
     develop pneumonia (an infection in the lungs) after surgery


Preoperative TKR Physical Therapy
•    A preoperative examination and preoperative treatment/intervention plan is created
     for each patient
•    A baseline of pain, functional abilities, strength, range of motion of each knee, and
     your breathing pattern is established
•    Any needs you have at home will be addressed


Postoperative Unicompartment Rehabilitation Protocol
•    Early emphasis is on achieving full extension equal to the opposite leg as soon as
     able
•    No passive or active flexion range of motion greater than 90 degrees for the first two
     weeks
•    No two-legged biking or flexion exercises for at least two weeks. Well-leg biking is
     fine
•    Regular manual treatment should be conducted to the patella and all incisions so
     they remain mobile
•    Early exercises should focus on recruitment of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO)
•    No resisted leg extension machines (isotonic or isokinetic) at any point in the rehab
     process


Postoperative TKR Rehabilitation Protocol
•    Early emphasis is on achieving full extension equal to the opposite leg as soon as
     able
•    No passive or active flexion range of motion greater than 90 degrees until staples
     are removed
•    Regular manual treatment should be conducted to the patella and all incisions so
     they remain mobile
•    Early exercises should focus on recruitment of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO).
•    No resisted leg extension machines (isotonic or isokinetic) at any point in the rehab
     process
•    CPM (continuous passive motion machine) may be issued based upon doctor’s
     recommendation per case


Potential Complications Following Knee Replacement Surgery
•    As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur
•    Some of the most common complications following knee replacement are:
•    Thrombophlebitis
•    Infection
•    Stiffness
•    Loosening


How Your Primary Care Physician and Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Work Together
•    Before surgery, it is important that you arrange an appointment with your regular
     medical doctor
•    An orthopaedic surgeon is an expert on the conditions that affect the bones, joints
     and muscles of your body
•    Your medical doctor is an expert on medical conditions, and knows a great deal
     about your individual medical needs during the preparation, hospitalization and
     postoperative recovery


The Night Before Joint Replacement Surgery
•    What to eat
•    What medicines to take or avoid
•    Other considerations


What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay