Orthopedic Surgery
(606) 432-1547
184 S. Mayo Trail
Pikeville, KY 41501
Total Knee Replacement
If medications and walking supports no longer help your knee, you may need a total knee replacement. Knee replacement is also known as “knee resurfacing” because only the surface of the bones are replaced.
This safe and effective surgery can:
> Relieve pain
> Correct leg irregularities
> Help you resume normal activities
A recommendation for Total Knee Replacement Surgery may be made if you experience:
> Severe knee pain/stiffness that limits everyday activities including: walking, climbing stairs and moving in and out of chairs
> Moderate/severe knee pain while resting
> Chronic knee inflammation (not improved by medications/rest)
> Knee deformity
> No improvement from anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections or physical therapy
Talk with your family, primary care physician and orthopedic surgeon to determine whether you should have Total Knee Replacement Surgery.
Are you a candidate for Surgery?
To determine if total knee replacement surgery is right for you, your physician will:
> Gather your medical history
> Complete a physical examination to assess motion, stability, strength and alignment
> Order X-rays to determine the amount of damage
Surgery Day
> You will be admitted to the hospital
> Surgery usually takes one to two hours
> The knee’s damaged cartilage and bone will be removed and a new plastic and metal implant will be positioned into place
> You will be monitored for several hours during your recovery from anesthesia
> You will be taken to your hospital room once you wake up
After Surgery
Pain Management
> Medications will be provided to help ease your pain and make you more comfortable
> Once your pain level decreases, you can begin moving around
Physical Therapy
> Most patients start exercising their knee one day after surgery
> Your physical therapist will work with you on specific knee strengthening/restorative exercises
> You may use a Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM) to move your knee while resting, decrease swelling and improve circulation
At Home
Wound Care
> Stitches and staples will be removed several weeks after surgery
> Do not soak the wound in water until it is completely sealed and dried
> Keep the wound bandaged to prevent irritation from clothing/support hose
Activity
> Exercise is critical during the first weeks after surgery
> You may resume normal activities within three to six weeks
> Pain at night and during activity is common for several weeks
Surgery Results
While improvement of knee motion is the goal of surgery, restoration of full motion is uncommon. Most patients can fully straighten and bend the knee when moving in and out of cars and climbing stairs.
After surgery you may experience:
> Numbness of skin around the knee
> Stiffness, especially during excessive bending
> The feel or sound of clicking when bending the knee or walking
It is normal to experience these side effects after surgery.
Benefits of Surgery
> Reduction or elimination of joint pain
> Increased leg strength
> Improved quality of life
> Years of easier movement
The complication rate is low after
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
> Knee joint infections occur in fewer than 2% of patients
> More serious complications have an even lower occurrence rate
> Chronic illnesses may increase the possibility of complication
Infection
Preventative antibiotics taken before certain procedures may prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing an infection. Bacteria may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections (UTI) or skin infections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs of infection:
> Continuous fever (>100 degrees Fahrenheit)
> Shaking chills
> Increased redness, tenderness or swelling of the knee
> Knee wound drainage
> Increased knee pain during activity/rest
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Total Hip Replacement
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult.
Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting.
This safe and effective surgery can:
> Relieve pain
> Increase range of motion
> Help you resume normal activities
A recommendation for Total Hip Replacement Surgery may be made if you experience:
> Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking and bending
> Hip pain while resting, either day or night
> Chronic hip inflammation (not improved by medications/rest)
> Stiffness in the hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
> Limited or no improvement from antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy or walking supports
Talk with your family, primary care physician and orthopedic surgeon to determine whether you should have Total Hip Replacement Surgery.
Are you a candidate for Surgery?
To determine if total hip replacement surgery is right for you, your physician will:
> Gather your medical history
> Complete a physical examination to assess motion, stability, strength and alignment
> Order X-rays to determine the amount of damage
Surgery Day
> You will be admitted to the hospital
> Surgery usually takes a few hours
> The hip’s damaged cartilage and bone will be removed and a new plastic, metal or ceramic implant will be positioned into place
> You will be monitored for several hours during your recovery from anesthesia
> Once you wake up, you will be taken to your hospital room
After Surgery
Pain Management
> Medications will be provided to help ease your pain and make you more comfortable
> Once your pain level decreases, you can begin moving around
Physical Therapy
> Most patients begin standing and walking with the help of a walking support the day after surgery
> Your physical therapist will work with you on specific hip strengthening/restorative exercises
At Home
Wound Care
> Stitches and staples will be removed approximately two weeks after surgery
> Do not soak the wound in water until it is completely sealed and dried
> Keep the wound bandaged to prevent irritation from clothing/support hose
Activity
> Exercise is critical during the first weeks after surgery
> You may resume normal activities within three to six weeks
> Pain during activity and at night is common for several weeks
Surgery Results
Most people who have hip replacement surgery experience a significant reduction of hip pain and a dramatic improvement in performing daily living tasks.
Surgeons don’t recommend high-impact activities like running or jumping after surgery. Realistic activities following total hip replacement include unlimited walking, swimming, driving, hiking, biking, dancing and other low-impact sports. Following these activity guidelines can allow hip replacements to last for many years.
After surgery you may experience:
> Numbness of skin around the incision
> Stiffness, especially during excessive bending
It is normal to experience these side effects after surgery.
Benefits of Surgery
> Reduction or elimination of joint pain
> Improved quality of life
> Years of easier movement
The complication rate is low after
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
> Hip joint infections occur in fewer than 2% of patients
> More serious complications have an even lower occurrence rate
> Chronic illnesses may increase the possibility of complication
Infection
Minor wound infections are treated with antibiotics, while major infections may require additional surgery or complete removal of the prosthesis. Any infection in your body can spread to the joint replacement. Infection may occur in the wound, deep around the prosthesis, while you are in the hospital, after you go home or years after surgery.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of
the following signs of infection:
> Continuous fever (>100 degrees Fahrenheit)
> Shaking chills
> Increased redness, tenderness or swelling of the hip
> Hip wound drainage
> Increased hip pain during activity/rest
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