After going through a total knee replacement surgery, there are certain precautions which you must take in order to avoid any post-surgery complication or damage and dislocation of your replaced knee.
Since total knee replacement is an invasive procedure, you’ll have staples or sutures on your wound. You must never try to cut these sutures at home. These sutures will only be removed by a practiced clinician after 2 weeks of the surgery. You may worsen your wound if you try to cut the sutures yourself.
Don’t soak your wound in water before it’s properly dried and sealed. However, you can keep bandaging your wound to keep it clean and dry.
Wound Care
Since total knee replacement is an invasive procedure, you’ll have staples or sutures on your wound. You must never try to cut these sutures at home. These sutures will only be removed by a practiced clinician after 2 weeks of the surgery. You may worsen your wound if you try to cut the sutures yourself.
Don’t soak your wound in water before it’s properly dried and sealed. However, you can keep bandaging your wound to keep it clean and dry.
Prevention of Blood Clot
There are chances of blood clot formation during the first few weeks of recovery. Therefore, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe certain anticoagulants like Aspirin and Warfarin to prevent the clot formation. You must complete the anticoagulant therapy as recommended by your doctor. Also, you must stay vigilant regarding any sign of blood clot formation in your treated leg. These signs include:- Excessive pain in the calf.
- Redness, irritation, and tenderness below or above the treated knee.
- Increased edema i.e. swelling in your ankle, calf, or foot.
Physical Activity
Right after your surgery, your replaced joint may not be able to bear your total body weight. Your surgeon will guide you regarding how much weight you can easily put on your knee which won’t cause any damage, injury, or dislocation of your joint. As your replaced knee joint gains strength with time, you’ll be able to put your complete body weight on it without suffering from any harm. However, during the initial weeks, it’s advisable to use a cane, or crutches to walk around. Other instructions regarding proper body posture and physical activity include:- Don’t twist or cross your legs.
- Do sit in chairs which have seats as high as your treated knee.
- Don’t keep standing for extended periods of time.
- Don’t keep sitting for more than one hour at a time.
- Don’t sleep on the body side which had the surgery.
- Do climb one stair at a time.
- Do avoid excessive kneeling.