Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation - Baylor Health Care ...

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Is joint replacement surgery rightfor you?You may be a candidate for joint replacementsurgery if you have already attempted a moreconservative approach of anti-inflammatorymedications and exercise, and you continue toexperience pain and loss of movement in yourjoints. In this operation, your orthopaedic surgeonreplaces the worn-out joint with an artificial devicemade of plastic and metal. This device, knownas a prosthesis, acts as your normal joint, whileallowing you to retain the muscles, ligaments, andtendons surrounding the joints.After the operation, a rehabilitation processwill help you regain the use of your joint. Withsuccessful rehabilitation, patients often are ableto resume many of their normal activities withinthree months—with little or no pain.I live alone. How is that going to work?You can be mostly independent within days afterthe surgery, although you will want to arrange forhelp during the first few days back home. Yourtherapists and a care coordinator will advise youabout preparing your home prior to dischargefrom Baylor Carrollton.Am I too old to have surgery?Your frame of mind, not your age, is the majorfactor in considering joint replacement surgery. Ifyou are committed to following the rehabilitationschedule and being an active participant inyour recovery, you are a strong candidate for asuccessful surgery.Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation 4
Before your surgery …Getting prepared with a joint orientationvisitDuring this visit to Baylor Carrollton, you will meetsome of the people who will care for you duringyour stay. The staff will discuss medications and willexplain pain management and wound care. A physicaltherapist will demonstrate some simple exercises thatwill help you prepare for surgery, and get you startedtoward a successful rehabilitation. You’ll also converseabout how to make your home safe for your returnafter surgery, and they’ll explain what equipment willhelp make your daily living easier during recovery.A social worker will also be available to discussequipment and post-discharge needs.Home modificationsIt is important that you make your home safe for yourreturn after surgery. Here are a few things you can do:Bathing: Your therapist may recommend a showerbench or chair to assist with safe transfers. It maybe difficult to reach your feet while bathing. Along-handled sponge and a hand-held shower hosecan make showering a little easier. You will practicegetting in and out of the tub. Use a bath mat ornon-slip surface inside your tub or shower, and haveassistance/supervision. Place a rug with a rubberbacking outside the tub/shower for drying feet, unlessyou have carpet.Bathroom modifications: You will probably needa raised toilet seat. For other equipment, look in theyellow pages under “Home Equipment Supply.” Inaddition, the staff at Baylor Carrollton will help findsolutions to your specific needs.Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation 5
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Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation - Baylor Health Care ...

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