Hospital Stay for Knee Replacement Surgery

When you are admitted to the hospital you will change into a hospital gown. Your vital signs are taken by a nurse. An intravenous line containing medications and fluids will be inserted comfortably into a vein on your arm or neck. At this point, your anesthesiologist will arrive to begin administration of your anesthetic for surgery. Once you are transferred to the operating room, you are moved to the operating table where the surgery will take place. This is often the last thing you remember before waking up in the recovery room. You may have general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation.

In the recovery room, you will recover from surgery until you are awake and alert. You could experience chills or nausea-these are normal side effects of anesthesia. You may notice:

• Drainage tubes and catheters. A drainage tube and catheter may be in place
• Pain medication. To manage the pain you may feel right after surgery, you will be given medication.
• Elastic Stockings. You may be fitted with elastic surgical stockings that help prevent blood clots and improve circulation. You may wear these stickings every day for six to eight weeks following surgery.
• CPM machine. Your operated leg may be connected to a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine, which slowly bends it up and down to improve range of motion.
• You are returned to your regular hospital room 12 hrs / 24 hrs /48 hrs. Your family members may then visit you in your room.

IV tubes and lines are usually removed within the first few days following surgery. If a drain was placed in your knee, then it will probably be removed a few days after surgery.

• Physical therapy usually begins for most patients within the first few days following surgery. The therapist focuses on helping to increase the knee’s range of motion with bending exercises. You will also be building strength in the knee and muscles of the leg. Often the CPM machines continued at a higher degree of bend.
• Walking. It is imperative that you get up and begin moving as soon as possible. This ambulatory activity helps prevent clots and speeds your recovery. With the help of the therapist and nurses, you should be able to get from the bed to a chair (transfer) at least once or twice a day. You will eventually be able to transfer with your crutches or walker.

• Your phusical therapy like transers from bed to chair, climbing stairs and other activities that your therapist has designed for you will continue except that you will be expected to do it independently as days move on.
• Before you are discharged from the hospital, your physician and physical therapist will review instructions for your continuing care and exercises at home. You will be given prescriptions for medication you need.