As baby boomers age while continuing to pursue sports and exercise, the incidence of knee injury and degenerative knee injury will continue. Athletes young and old are at risk of knee injury, along with common issues such as falls and accidents. With knee problems comes the need for knee surgery, and this requires specific steps for preparation. From physical therapy to pain medication, there are many things to be done prior to knee surgery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy prior to surgery, commonly referred to as pre-rehabilitation, is often prescribed by the surgeon to strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip. A common side effect of knee surgery is weakening and atrophy of muscles around the knee, particularly in the upper leg and hip. Specific physical therapy exercises will target these muscles, making them stronger and allowing for a quicker recovery post-surgery. The physical therapist may also recommend stretching exercises to ensure that good range of motion exists prior to repair of the joint.
Pain Medication
Prior to knee surgery, your physician will likely prescribe pain medication and possibly anti-inflammatory medication to be taken after the operation. Have the prescriptions filled so they're available when you return home. Any medication can have unwanted side effects, particularly pain medication and some narcotics that are often prescribed for short periods after surgery, so talk to your physician and pharmacist about common side effects.
Home Preparation
Depending on the type of knee surgery, significant modifications or assistance devices may be needed at home. If a wheelchair will be needed after surgery, a ramp or temporary lift may have to be installed. Often the most difficult tasks are simple things, like bathing or using the toilet. Special elevated toilet seats make it easier to sit while using the toilet, and other devices make it safer to bathe, such as shower stools.
Your physician may prescribe the use of a walker or cane after surgery, to reduce the risk of falling. He may recommend keeping the weight off the joint completely. Check with your physician or physical therapist to find out when it is safe to progress away from an assisted balance device. Prior to surgery, look around your home for objects that might be easy to trip over, such as cords, carpets and drapes. Remove them or get them out of the way.
Transportation
On the day of surgery, have reliable transportation arranged to take you to the hospital or outpatient surgical center. Medication is often prescribed to lessen anxiety, which will prohibit you from driving. Upon discharge from the hospital or surgical center, have transportation arranged to take you home, and someone to assist you there. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need a few days of care and assistance at home before resuming independent activity.
Additional Steps
There are several simple steps you can take to make recovery easy and stay safe. Follow post-op instructions to the letter, including continuous passive motion machine if indicated. Icing your knee for 20 minutes every hour or as prescribed by your physician will help decrease pain and inflammation. Keeping your leg elevated will help decrease swelling. Combined with ice, this is a potent way to lessen post-surgical pain and swelling.
Additionally, some patients write "yes" and "no" on their knees on the day of surgery, to ensure that no mistakes are made.
