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, the cartilage wears away. This can make the knee feel stiff and painful. Your doctor replaced your painful joint with an artificial joint to relieve pain and restore movement. Here are some instructions to follow once at home.

Home care

• Take pain medicine as directed by your doctor.

• When your doctor says it is OK to shower, carefully wash the area around your knee with soap and water. Rinse the incision well. Then gently pat it dry. Do not rub the incision, or put on creams or lotions. Sit on a shower stool or chair when you shower to keep from falling.

• Take any medicine you may have been given after surgery. This may include blood-thinning medicine to prevent blood clots.

Incision Care

• Check around your bandage area/incision daily for redness, swelling, tenderness, or drainage. 
• Prevent infection by washing your hands often. If an infection occurs, it will need to be treated right away. Call your healthcare provider right away if you think you may have an infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, increased redness, warmth or an incision that leaks white, green, or yellow fluid.
• Do not soak your incision in water until your provider says it is OK. This means no hot tubs, bathtubs, sound water, ocean water or swimming pools. 
• Arrange to have your staples removed around 2 weeks after surgery. The staples were used to close the skin incision.

Moving safely

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

• You should be able to start moving your leg shortly after surgery as directed by your doctor and therapist.

• Follow your therapist's instructions for exercise and walking.

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

• Do not drive until your doctor says it is OK. Most people can start driving about 6 weeks after surgery. Do not drive while you are taking opioid pain medicine.

• 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.

Sitting and sleeping

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

• Get up and walk at least once every waking hour.

• Nap if you are tired, but do not stay in bed all day.

• Do not rest with the knee in a bent position. 

Other precautions

• Prevent infection. Ask your doctor for instructions if you have not already received them. Any infection will need to be treated immediately. 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.

   

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. You will need to have your staples removed 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.