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NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Lifestyle Modification: Losing weight, avoiding aggravating activities, modifying exercise to low impact activities only.
- Exercises: Specifically prescribed exercises to improve strength and flexibility without exacerbating your pain.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Designed to decrease swelling in the joint, and provide temporary pain relief.
- Corticosteroid Injection: Powerful anti-inflammatory agent injected directly into the joint.
- Joint Fluid Therapy: A series of injections directly into your knee, designed to improve lubrication in the joint.
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin: Dietary supplement that may relieve arthritic pain.
- Bracing: Used to provide external stability to the joint.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or repair torn cartilage.
SURGERY & REHAB
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Report directly to the admitting department of the hospital.
- Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to your surgery.
- Take a shower or bath the morning of your surgery.
- All jewelry, dentures, contacts and nail polish must be removed prior to surgery.
- Arrange for transportation home the day of surgery, if you are having an outpatient procedure (you will not be able to drive).
- If you are having surgery on a lower extremity, bring crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to the hospital.
- Call Foote Hospital (517-788-4811), Blake Woods (517-787-2906), or Jackson Outpatient Surgery Center (517-780-9272) four days prior to your surgery if you
have not yet been contacted by them.
Post-Operative Information
- You may be instructed to stay in the hospital for 2 - 3 days following surgery, and will need to meet some physical movement
goals prior to discharge.
- You may have a continuous passive motion (CPM) unit that slowly and gently bends and straightens your leg. This device is
important for quickly regaining your range of motion.
- When not on the CPM, you may have to wear an immobilizer/brace to protect your leg when standing.
- You will be given a physical therapy exercise program and activity limitations/recommendations that will help rehabilitate
your range of motion.
- Call (517) 784-1495 immediately following surgery to schedule your post-op appointment.
- Call (517) 784-1495 if you have any questions.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a total joint replacement?
If pain is preventing you from walking or performing daily activities, and if you have tried conservative measures that have failed
to give you adequate relief, it may be time to discuss total joint replacement surgery with your surgeon.
How old is the average joint replacement patient?
With recent improvements in implant materials, design and surgical techniques, the age range for joint replacement candidates is
expanding. People in their 50s - 90s are experiencing positive results and better quality of life thanks to joint replacement.
What activities should I avoid after joint replacement surgery?
Any activity that entails quick starting and stopping, twisting, or high-impact loading (such as running, jumping, skiing, and
tennis). You should also try to avoid excessive or repetitive bending or squatting, heavy lifting, and sitting on low surfaces
(chairs, bathtub, toilet).
What are some examples of appropriate activities?
Walking, swimming, dancing, golf, and bicycling are all good exercises. Let pain and swelling be your guide - if pain persists,
stop the activity and consult your surgeon.
Will my joint replacement set off a metal detector?
It is unlikely that your implant will be detected. However, if it is, notify security of your replacement so they can scan it
with a hand-held unit. Also, your doctor's office can supply you with I.D. cards to verify that you are a joint replacement
recipient.
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