The Operation
The operation usually takes about two hours with some time spent in the recovery room.
After surgery
From the operating room you will be taken to the recovery room where you will wake up and remain for about one hour before returning to your room.
- You will have an intravenous line in your arm. This is to ensure you receive adequate fluids, intravenous antibiotics and it can also be used to administer pain-relieving medication. Your nurse usually removes this after 48 hours.
- You will have a large dressing on your knee and there may be a drainage tube. This will drain any excess fluid from your knee and help to keep the swelling down. The nursing staff will also remove this after your operation, at the direction of your surgeon.
- You may have an oxygen mask on your face.
- If you are feeling fine, you may commence drinking fluids after about 3 to 4 hours.
- There will be a monkey bar (self-help pole) above your bed to assist you with movement around the bed.
- It is important for you to do deep breathing and coughing exercises to enhance lung capacity and circulation.
- Movement of your toes and ankles is important to promote good circulation while you are confined to bed.
- Rarely, you may be commenced on a CPM (continuous passive movement) machine, depending on your surgeon’s instructions.
- The joint is stable immediately after the procedure, but the weakened muscles and soft tissue surrounding the joint require a longer-term program of physiotherapy and exercise to be restored to normal functioning.
Pain Control
During the first few days you will experience some pain. This will be controlled by intravenous or epidural medication for the first 24-48 hours. After removal of the drip, you may require injections and/or tablets. It is important initially, to take the pain relieving medication on a regular basis. This will allow you to exercise and move more freely. It may also be necessary to continue taking pain relief tablets when you return home. The nursing staff or pharmacist will instruct you on appropriate doses.
Mobility
The Physiotherapist will:
Assist you to become mobile again following your operation and teach you specific exercises.
Usually you will stand and begin walking the day after surgery. All the “tubes” are removed by two days after surgery. A physiotherapist will assist you with exercises and walking. The aim is to walk early and often. This minimizes complications.
Your mobility will gradually increase and with it, your independence. Physio continues and once your wound has healed you may go to the hydrotherapy pool with the physiotherapist to perform exercises in water.
Ice
Ice helps to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. The nurse may apply ice to your knee. You may also apply ice at home by using crushed ice inside a damp towel. Leave the ice on for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes, then reapply for another 15 minutes. This can be applied a few times a day if necessary.
Never apply ice directly to the skin.
Anti-Coagulant
A small injection under the skin of anti-coagulant is usually administered once a day for your stay in hospital. This helps to thin your blood and helps prevent the formation of clots in your legs.
Suture Line
You will have a suture line along your knee that requires a dressing while you are in hospital. The nursing staff will attend to this.
Sometimes you may have sutures that lie underneath the skin surface. These do not need to be removed and will dissolve in about 2 weeks.
Removable staples may be used and removed in about 10 days.
Prior to discharge your nurse will speak to you regarding care of your suture line once you are home. Wash your suture line daily and pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid using any powders until the healing is complete as they may “clog” the suture line and cause bacteria to grow.
Observe your suture line for any signs of tenderness, redness, swelling or discharge. If you have any problems, contact your Surgeon, Orthopaedic Liaison Nurse or Local Doctor.
Sleep Disturbances
As you might expect, wound discomfort and restriction of position will mean adopting a sleep position which is unnatural for you. This may result in a disturbance to your sleep pattern and/or restlessness.
You may sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs (NOT UNDER YOUR KNEE). Oral analgesia and warm drinks before going to bed may assist in relaxation.
Constipation
Your decreased activity level, limited appetite, reduced fluid intake and some medication may lead to bowel irregularity. You will be encouraged to drink fluids, increase the fibre content of your diet and, if necessary, take mild laxatives.
Sexual Activity
Resumption of sexual activity depends on when you feel comfortable. There are no restrictions if you keep to the guidelines given to you by your surgeon and physiotherapist for your daily activities.
Doctors Appointment
Your surgeon will want to see you about 6 weeks after your surgery. The appointment will be made before you leave hospital by the nursing staff. It is important that you keep this appointment, as your surgeon will want to check on your progress. You will also be able to ask the surgeon questions regarding increasing your level of activity.
Exercises
These exercises are recommended before surgery to help build up muscle tone and during rehabilitation after surgery. You may not be able to complete all exercises due to stiffness or pain. Your physiotherapist will advise which of the exercises are suitable for you after your operation.
Do the following exercises 10 times each and at least 3 times per day.
- Gently bend your feet up and down to help circulation in your legs.
- Gently bend your knee so that your foot moves along the bed towards your buttocks. A mild stretching over the front of your knee is normal.
Hold for 5 seconds then relax. - Tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh by pushing your knee down onto the bed. Keep your knee as flat on the bed as possible.
Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. - With your knee over a bolster, straighten you knee by tightening the muscles on the top of your thigh. Be sure to keep the back of your knee pressed onto the bolster.
Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
NB. DO NOT SLEEP OR REST WITH THE BOLSTER UNDER YOUR KNEE. - Tighten the thigh muscle so your knee straightens. Now lift your leg to 45 degrees, keeping it as straight as possible.
Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. - Sit with your legs out straight and the operated leg on a rolled towel. The toes and knee of your operated knee should be pointing up. Relax the muscles in your leg and gently push with your hands to straighten the knee as much as you can, without causing pain. Hold for up to 5 minutes.
- Bend your knee while sitting on a chair. Gently push your operated leg back with the other leg until you feel a stretch on the front of the knee.
Hold for 5 seconds. - Sit on a chair so that your operated knee forms a right angle (90 degrees). Tighten your thigh muscle to straighten the operated knee, lifting the foot off the floor. Hold the operated leg straight for 5 seconds and then gently lower the leg.
Discharge advice
This information and instruction is meant to be used as a guide as you return home.
- Continue with your exercises as described by your physiotherapist.
- Continue to take short and frequent walks, gradually increasing the distance in a slow progressive manner. This will be based upon your strength and pain level.
- Allow time for resting – frequently.
- Do not kneel.
- Avoid placing a pillow under your knee.
- Do not drive a motor vehicle until advised by your doctor. (You may be a passenger however).
Call your Orthopaedic Surgeon if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Increased pain not controlled by medication.
- Increased redness, swelling or drainage around the incision.
- Elevated or persistent temperature.
- Tenderness, redness or swelling of your calf.
- Chest pains or shortness of breath.
Visits to the dentist
- If you ever suffer a gum infection or abscess your dentist will need to prescribe antibiotics.
- This is not necessary for routine dental care – eg. fillings or cleaning.
