Intravenous antibiotics can also be administered to prevent any post-surgical infections. An intravenous line may be inserted on the patient’s arm or hand.A general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia may be administered during the procedure. Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia.A hospital gown will be offered to wear instead. The patient will be asked to remove any jewelry and clothing that can obstruct the procedure.Procedures depend on the patient’s conditions and the surgeon’s practice. Most of the time, knee replacement surgery is done while the patient is unconscious and under general anesthetic. Having a knee replacement necessitates a hospital stay. If a companion is unavailable, make arrangements with a home care nurse to assist the patient. Before undergoing surgery, ensure that the patient has a companion at home which will assist him/her around the house for a week or two.Sedatives may also be administered to help the patient relax before any surgical procedures.Prior to the surgery, the patient should fast for at least 8 hours.Blood tests, urinalysis, and an ECG may be obtained before the conduct of the surgery. Additionally a complete physical examination must be performed to ensure that the patient is fit and a good candidate for surgery. The doctor should be notified immediately of any allergic reactions to medications and anesthetic agents. A comprehensive medical history of the patient should be given to the attending physician before surgery.This implies that the patient has understood the procedure and voluntarily permits the physician to perform the procedure on him/her. A signed informed consent form, which specifies the steps of the procedure, its indication and importance, as well as the risks, contraindications, and possible consequences, must be obtained from the patient.Pre-Procedure Nursing Care: Preparing the Patient for Knee Replacementīefore undergoing surgery, the patient should be prepared by the attending physician or healthcare professional. Although rare, surgery-related injury of the nerves and blood vessels around the knee might happen. Injury of adjacent nerves and blood vessels.
Although uncommon, a small percentage of individuals still experience discomfort after getting a knee replacement. As a result, scarring of the knee can occasionally happen and motion may be more restricted, especially in patients who had limited motion before surgery. High impact activities, excessive body weight and wearing out of the polyethylene component may all contribute to the loosening or dislodgement of prostheses.
Implant surfaces may deteriorate and its components may become loose despite the employment of sturdy implant design and materials, and advanced surgical methods. If these clots escape and move to the lungs, it could be fatal. A typical side effect of knee replacement surgery is deep venous thrombosis wherein blood clots in the leg veins. Any infection that the patient may incur can spread to their artificial joint. Infection may develop deep around the prosthesis or in the wound days, weeks, or even years after the surgery.
Risks of knee replacement could include the following: Just like any other surgeries, knee replacement also comes with risks and possible complications. When non-surgical therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, intra-articular steroid injection, viscosupplementation, bracing, weight loss, and physical therapy fail to improve knee status.When there is consistent knee inflammation and swelling even with therapy or medications.The uneven stress it applies to the knees over time can result in discomfort, joint degeneration, and early-onset of arthritis. When a knock knee (knee deformity) occurs.When knee pain is severe or moderate even when resting and interferes during sleep.When severe knee pain or stiffness secondary to osteoarthritis starts to hinder daily activities and decreases ambulatory capacity.