Do you have problems climbing stairs, walking, and getting in and out of chairs due to knee pain? Do all nonsurgical options to relieve your knee pain, inflammation, and stiffness fail to provide adequate relief? If so, you might have decided on knee arthroplasty to treat your knee problem once and for all.
Knee arthroplasty involves cutting away your damaged bones and cartilage from your shinbone, thighbone, and kneecap and replacing them with a prosthesis. A prosthesis is an artificial joint made of metal alloys, ceramics, high-grade plastic, and polymers.
Let’s talk about what to expect before getting total knee arthroplasty and where you can go in Hartford County, CT, for advanced orthopedic care.
Before Total Knee Arthroplasty
Once decided on total knee arthroplasty, your pre-op evaluation, rehabilitation, and preparation will begin. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you through all the steps necessary to prepare you physically, psychologically, and socially for your procedure. Following are some steps you will go through before receiving total knee arthroplasty.
#1 Learning About the Procedure
After evaluating that you’re a candidate for arthroplasty, your orthopedic surgeon will explain how arthroplasty will be best for you. Then, your orthopedic surgeon will explain the whole knee arthroplasty procedure to make you comfortable and answer any of your concerns related to the procedure.
You will also be informed on the type of anesthesia and prosthesis types used during surgery.
#2 Getting in Shape for Arthroplasty
Before arthroplasty, you are required to be in the best physical shape as this way, you can significantly reduce the chances of complications and shorten your recovery time.
Your orthopedic surgeon will work on the following topics to bring you in your best shape before surgery. Diet. A proper and nutritious diet help rebuild your muscle and soft tissue as well as boost your immune system. An orthopedic surgeon will recommend following a weight loss program before surgery to get in shape if you’re overweight.
Pain management. Your knee pain and stiffness will be managed using drug-free techniques that will supplement your pain medications. Opioids and other drugs that may result in surgical complications will be removed from your medication chart.
Exercise. Before undergoing total arthroplasty, it’s important that your upper body must be strengthened to easily use the assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers after your surgery. Exercises to strengthen the upper body will be advised, along with isometric exercises to maintain the strength of your leg muscles.
Additionally, exercises, such as ankle pumps and deep breathing exercises will be advised. Ankle pumps (pumping your ankle back and forth) help prevent blood clot formation in the legs while deep breathing help removes excess secretion from the lungs so that they don’t settle in your lungs while you are asleep during arthroplasty.
#3 Doing Pre-Surgery Preparations
Pre-surgery preparation involves:
- Preparing the home environment and making necessary arrangements, such as creating living space on the ground floor.
- Installing safety bars.
- Getting a stable bench or chair for the shower.
- Securing stairway handrails.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Near Me in Hartford County, CT
If you are a candidate for total knee arthroplasty, visit no other than Advanced Orthopedics New England. Our highly qualified orthopedic surgeons regularly perform arthroplasty procedures and are committed to providing you caring and compassionate services throughout all the aspects of your total knee arthroplasty and its recovery.
At our facility, we offer inpatient total knee replacement procedures which help our provider ensure your health, safety, and comfort.
To schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding knee replacement surgeons, call our office today at (860) 728-6740.
We look forward to helping you!
