It can be daunting heading into joint replacement surgery. Here’s what you need to know about what will happen after the procedure.
It may be surprising to learn that, in many cases, you can go home the same day as your knee replacement surgery, though some people may need to stay in the hospital for one or more days. “Our priorities are monitoring your progress post-surgery, managing your pain and getting you to a place where you can start moving,” said Dr. Steve Engstrom, an orthopedic surgeon with Vanderbilt Orthopaedics. “The sooner you can move, the better.”
As you recover from your general anesthesia, epidural nerve block or femoral nerve block, here’s what to expect moving into your recovery.
Recovery support
“Our goal is to get you back to activity and function as quickly as possible,” Engstrom said. “As such, we now try to minimize fancy medical devices and focus more on getting you active. Usually a simple ice pack or cooling machine is all that is needed to help control pain and minimize swelling.”
Pain management
“The sooner your pain is controlled, the sooner you’ll walk, which will help you recover faster.”
Managing pain is critical as you recover. “The sooner your pain is controlled, the sooner you’ll walk, which will help you recover faster,” Engstrom said. Be honest with your care team about how much pain you feel, and don’t be afraid to ask for pain medicine when you need it. Tell your nurses if the medicines don’t reduce pain, or if you suddenly feel worse.
What’s next
The incision will have stitches or staples that need to be removed after one to two weeks — be sure that you know how to care for this wound while it heals. Your care team will talk to you about how to continue pain management at home and will discuss any activity restrictions. You’ll also learn about exercise plans you should follow as you move into rehabilitation.
If you notice any of the following, be sure to reach out to your care team, as these problems may require immediate treatment:
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, bleeding or other drainage from the incision
- Increased pain in the knee or around the incision
Struggling with joint pain?
Learn more about your options by downloading our free joint replacement treatment guide.
