Preparing For Total Knee Replacement Surgery - Dr. Sachin Karkamkar

Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Orthopaedic Evaluation

• A medical history - To assess general fitness
• A physical examination - This will assess knee motion, stability, strength, and overall leg alignment.
• X-rays - These images help to determine the extent of damage and deformity in your knee.
• Other tests - Occasionally advanced imaging such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your knee.

Tests For operative fitness:
Several tests, such as blood and urine samples, and an electrocardiogram, may be needed to help your orthopaedic surgeon plan your surgery.

Medications: 
Tell your orthopedic surgeon about the medications you are taking. He or she will tell you which medications you should stop taking and which you should continue to take before surgery.

Dental Evaluation: 
Although the incidence of infection after knee replacement is very low, an infection can occur if bacteria enter your bloodstream. To reduce the risk of infection, major dental procedures (such as tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be completed before your total knee replacement surgery.

Urinary Evaluations:
People with a history of recent or frequent urinary infections should have a urological evaluation before surgery. Older men with prostate disease should consider completing the required treatment before undertaking knee replacement surgery.

Social Planning: 
Although you will be able to walk on crutches or a walker soon after surgery, you will need help for several weeks with such tasks as cooking, shopping, bathing, and doing laundry.

Home Planning:  
Several modifications can make your home easier to navigate during your recovery. The following items may help with daily activities:

• Safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath
• Secure handrails along your stairways
• A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion, a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg elevation
• A toilet seat riser with arms, if you have a low toilet
• A stable shower bench or chair for bathing
• Removing all loose carpets and cords
• A temporary living space on the same floor because walking up or down stairs will be more difficult during your early recovery

These instructions for tests and other care are basic, discuss them with Dr. Sachin Karkamkar for detailed evaluation.