Before and After Knee Surgery: What to Expect

Before Surgery

You may be asked to see your family physician or an internal medicine doctor for a more thorough medical evaluation. To prepare yourself for surgery, you may be asked to do a number of things. You may be asked to lose weight if you are overweight. If you smoke, it is important for you to stop two weeks prior to surgery. If you take estrogen (i.e., Premarin), your surgeon will probably advise you to stop one month prior to surgery. Your doctor may want you to donate your own blood ahead of time for a possible transfusion during surgery. It is essential that your surgeon be aware of any medications or supplements you are taking. Bring a list of
all medications and dosages. If you are taking aspirin or certain arthritis medications, inform your surgeon; you may need to stop taking these two weeks before surgery. If you are taking aspirin under the direction of a physician for vascular or cardiac reasons, your doctor may advise you to continue taking it as directed.

Your Surgery

Usually patients are admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery. You cannot eat or drink
anything after midnight the day of surgery.

The Recovery Room

You will awaken after your surgery in the Post-Anesthesia Recovery Room. You will remain there until you have recovered from the anesthesia, are breathing well, and your blood pressure and pulse are stable. If you experience pain, medication will be available.

What To Expect After Surgery

You may have a tube or drain coming through the surgical dressing that is attached to a drainage
apparatus. This system provides gentle, continuous suction to remove any blood that accumulates in the surgical area. The drain will probably be removed several days after surgery. The dressing will also be changed and a smaller one applied. An “immobilizer” (a cloth support with stays) will fit around this dressing and will hold the leg straight. An alternative to the operated leg being immobilized after surgery is the use of a “Continuous Passive Motion” (CPM) machine. Your leg is held softly in a cradle. The knee is then gently and slowly bent and straightened. Your leg will be supported and elevated on one or two pillows to help your circulation and stretch the muscles behind your leg. You will be asked to move your ankle to promote circulation and prevent stiffness in your ankle joint. The immobilizer may be used the first 48 hours after surgery, and then removed. The CPM machine may be used the next
48 hours or longer, if needed, even after you leave the hospital. The nurse will assist you in turning on your side, if you wish. You may adjust the head of the bed to any level you desire. The knee adjustment on the bed should not be used. Your knee should remain straight unless you are performing knee exercises.
An IV may remain in your arm for several days to administer antibiotics or other medications you may need. This helps prevent infection and gives you proper nourishment until you are eating and drinking comfortably. You will begin regular fluid and food intake under the direction and advice of your surgeon.
To prevent problems in your lungs, you may receive an incentive spirometer after surgery to
encourage you to cough and breathe deeply. This is used every hour while you are awake.
It is normal to feel pain and discomfort after surgery. Inform the nurse of your pain and
medication will be ordered by your physician.