Total Knee Arthroplasty - Post-Op Instructions
Post Anesthesia Instructions
The medication which was used to put you to sleep will be acting in your body for the next 24 hours, so you might feel a little sleepy. This feeling will slowly wear off. For the first 24 hours, you should NOT:
Drive a car or operate machinery/power tools.
Drink an alcoholic drinks (even beer)
Make any important decisions, sign any important or legal papers.
For your safety, we strongly suggest that a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Gradually resume regular diet as tolerated.
It is advised to start with bland foods on the day of surgery.
Wound Care
Change the dressing daily.
Keep clean and dry.
Remove the dressing on day 5 after surgery and keep the dressing off if no drainage is present.
Do NOT shower or get the incision wet until 5 days post-op.
You may shower on day 5.
No tub bath
It is normal to have some fluid drainage the first day or so, but this should subside within 5 days.
Staples will be removed in 3 weeks.
Removed at your first post operative appointment
Ice should be used to help control swelling and keep pain to a minimum.
Frozen peas, reusable gel packs, or crushed ice in a large freezer bag are ideal.
Apply ice for approximately 20-30 minutes, remove for 45-60 minutes, and repeat. Ice should be used for until swelling is gone.
DO NOT APPLY HEAT PACKS.
Activity and Weight Bearing
Rest for the remainder of the day, when you get home.
Weight bearing as tolerated. Use walker.
Rest for the remainder of the day, when you get home.
If you have TED hose, we recommend wearing these until you resume your normal level of activity.
These stockings help increase circulation and decrease risk of blood clot after surgery.
Physical therapy will be arranged as ordered.
Medication
Take aspirin 325mg per mouth twice per day.
Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation.
You may take an over-the-counter stool softener or laxative, if needed.
Increase fluid intake and eat fiber rich foods.
A bowel movement every other day is reasonable.
Do not drive while taking pain medication.
It is very important to properly dispose of unused narcotic medications. Please contact your local pharmacy or visit https://takebackday.dea.gov website for further instructions.
Please call your pharmacy as soon as possible to make sure your pain medication is filled.
Call the office
If you have drainage continuing past day 5.
If you have swelling that is unrelieved by ice and elevation.
If you have a fever greater than 101F
If you have unmanageable pain, despite pain medication
If you have redness, swelling, or increased tenderness at the site.
If you need dental work or have a dental appointment
No dental appointments for 3 months UNLESS it is a dental emergency
Will need an antibiotic for all dental appointments for the first 2 years following surgery
To schedule your 3 week follow up appointment if you do not have this scheduled already.
If you have any questions or concerns.