What will it be like to have your knee replaced?

You no doubt have many questions about what a knee replacement involves.

Fortunately, the Evarts Joint Center takes care of the whole process—from beginning to end—with a knowledgeable, compassionate staff and a facility that was thoughtfully designed to handle your every need.

Here is what you can expect.

Your time before surgery:

• After you have been referred to us, you will meet with one of our orthopaedic surgeons to talk about treatment options.
  
  
• If a knee replacement is required, your surgery will be scheduled.
  
  
• In the weeks before your surgery, you will attend a Joint Replacement Class at the Evarts Joint Center. There, you will be introduced to the physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker who will be helping you.
  
  
• You may schedule a home visit with one of our physical therapists to evaluate your home and make it a safer environment for your recovery.
  
  
• You may also visit our outpatient facility to learn helpful ways for making your recovery easier.
  
  
• Two weeks before surgery, you will come to the Evarts Joint Center for Pre-Admission Testing. At this time, you will be given instructions on discontinuing medications that may increase bleeding.
  
  
• Seven days before surgery, it will be time to prepare your home for your return from the hospital. For example, laundry should be cleaned and put away, yard work completed and loose carpeting tacked down.

Surgery and the week following:

• The day of surgery, you will arrive at the Evarts Joint Center at Highland Hospital and be taken to your room. An Operating Room Assistant will walk you to the OR Holding Area where you will be prepared for surgery. You will them go to the OR, where you will see your surgeon. Your surgery will take about X hours.
  
  
• After your surgery, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit for 1-2 hours. You will them return to your room. You will most likely stay in bed the rest of the day.
  
  
• The day after surgery, we will give you whatever assistance you need to get out of bed, walk, bathe and sit in your room’s recliner. You will be visited by your surgeon or Physician’s Assistant, as well as by your Physical Therapist.
  
  
• You will start physical therapy one to two days after your surgery. Your surgeon may give you certain restrictions. You will be given a customized exercise program that will help you to recover faster.
  
  
• The second day after surgery, we will again give you whatever help you need to get out of bed, walk, bathe and get dressed. Intravenous medication will be stopped, and you will begin taking oral pain medication.
  
  
• Two days after surgery, you will begin occupational therapy to help you with the activities of daily life, such as bathing and getting dressed.
  
  
• The third day after surgery you should expect to be discharged. If you are going to one of our rehabilitation facilities, that decision will be made by you, your social worker, your surgeon, your physical therapist and your insurance company.
  
  
• If you are going home, your social worker will help you in making the arrangements and ordering any home equipment you might need. You will also receive written instructions about medications, physical therapy and activities.
  
  
• Our Home Health Nurse and Physical Therapist will work with you to arrange times for home visits.

The road to complete recovery:

• Two to four weeks after surgery, you should expect to be walking at least a quarter mile a day, going up and down stairs and independently showering and getting dressed.
  
  
• Four to six weeks after surgery, you should be walking up to 1/2 mile per day, climbing stairs one foot at a time and driving your car with your doctor’s permission.
  
  
• Six to twelve weeks after surgery, you should begin resuming all of your activities, including walking about a mile without a cane or crutch.
  
  
• After week twelve, you should be able to resume all activities including dancing, bowling and golf.

    Why a wider range of knee replacement options is important.

    Read about a patient who had a knee replacement at the Evarts Joint Center.

Do you have more questions?
Contact us today at 585.784.2966