Discharge Instructions for Total Knee Replacement

You have undergone knee replacement surgery. The knee joint forms where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap meet. The knee joint is supported by muscles and ligaments, and is lined with a cushioning called cartilage. Over time, cartilage wears away. This can make the knee feel stiff and painful. Your doctor replaced your painful joint with a knee prosthesis (artificial joint) to relieve pain and restore movement. Here are some instructions to follow once at home.

Home Care

• When you are allowed to shower, carefully wash your incision with soap and water. Rinse the incision well. Then gently pat it dry. Don’t rub the incision, or apply creams or lotions. And sit on a shower stool or chair when you shower to keep from falling.

• Take pain medication as directed by your doctor.

Sitting and Sleeping

• Sit in chairs with arms. The arms make it easier for you to stand up or sit down.

• Don’t sit for more than 30-45 minutes at one time.

• Nap if you are tired, but don’t stay in bed all day.

• Sleep with a pillow under your ankle, not your knee. Be sure to change the position of your leg during the night.

Moving Safely

• The key to successful recovery is movement is walking and exercising your knee as directed by your doctor.

• Walk up and down stairs with support. Try one step at a time—good knee up, bad knee down. Use the railing if possible.

• Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s okay. Most people can start driving about 6 weeks after surgery. Don’t drive while you are taking narcotic pain medication.

Other Precautions

• Avoid soaking your knee in water (no hot tubs, bathtubs, swimming pools) until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Wear the support stockings you were given in the hospital, as instructed by your doctor. You must wear these stockings for 6 weeks after surgery for 23 hours each day on both legs. If needed, you can place a bandage over the incision to prevent irritation from clothing or support stockings.

• Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way. Remove items that may cause you to fall, such as throw rugs and electrical cords.

• Use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in your bathroom.

• Until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve, use a cane, crutches, a walker, handrails, or someone to help you.

• Keep your hands free by using a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things.

• Prevent infection. Ask your doctor for instructions if you haven’t already received them. Any infection will need to be treated immediately with antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you think you might have an infection.

• Tell your dentist that you have an artificial joint and take antibiotics as prescribed before any dental work.

• Tell all your healthcare providers about your artificial joint before any medical procedure.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds. Added body weight puts stress on the knee.

• Take any medication you may have been given after surgery. This may include blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots or antibiotics to prevent infection.

Follow-Up

You will follow-up in 14 days for a wound check. Your appointment will be provided to you at your hospital discharge