Postoperative FAQs
How long will my knee be swollen and warm?
Swelling and warmth of the knee can last for four to six months after surgery. Swelling will go away slowly over time, it may take several months to return to normal.
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Is it normal for the skin around my incision to feel numb?
Yes, cutting through the skin irritates the nerves in the skin causing this area to be less sensitive or numb. Normal sensation will return over time.
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What exercises can help prepare me for surgery?
Before Joint Replacement surgery it is helpful to have good strength. General strengthening exercises to all limbs and core can be beneficial.
Are private rooms available in the hospital?
We will make an effort to place you in a private room, however we cannot guarantee you will be in a private room. This depends on what beds are available.
Can my loved one stay with me in the hospital?
Yes. You may have a family member stay with you in the hospital; however, not all rooms have a recliner or area for your family member to sleep. If you have a roommate, we will need to ask your roommate’s permission to have your loved one stay with you.
Where do I go after surgery?
The BEST place to recover after surgery is home. Majority of patients go home after surgery. If for some reason it is unsafe for you to return home the Care Manager will help coordinate discharge to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). If you live alone, make arrangements before surgery for family or friends to help you. During the hospital stay, Nurses, doctors, Care Manager, Physical and Occupational Therapists will determine the best discharge plan for you.
Can I shower after surgery?
You can shower after your primary joint replacement when you go home from surgery if your waterproof dressing has a good seal to the skin. NO baths, hot tubs, pools or ocean swimming for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, or until the incision is fully healed.
When can I return to playing sports and exercising?
Continue exercises as instructed by your Physical Therapist until you see the Surgeon at the first post-operative visit. Take short frequent walks throughout the day, walking as much as tolerated. Returning to sports or more vigorous exercise is dependent upon individual patient’s recovery, and can generally be resumed after 2 to 4 months.
When can I resume sexual activity?
Generally, you can resume sexual activities as tolerated but beware of positioning precautions if you had a hip replacement. Ask your Surgeon and Physical Therapist for recommendations based on your recovery.
When can I drive again after surgery?
Do NOT drive while taking narcotic pain medication. If surgery is on your right knee or hip, for your safety do not drive for 4 weeks. Reaction times can be slower after surgery, putting you at risk for an accident. After 4 weeks, return to driving when you feel comfortable. If surgery is on the left knee or hip, you may drive when comfortable if you have an automatic transmission. If driving a manual transmission and you surgery is on the left knee or hip, do not drive for about 4 weeks. Everyone’s recovery is different, when ready to drive, test your driving ability in an empty parking lot before driving in traffic.
How long before I am able to return to work?
Returning to work depends on the physical demands of the job. Those with jobs that require little physical exertion may return to after 2-4 weeks. Those with physically demanding jobs may take 8 to12 weeks or longer, depending on recovery. Discussing specific work requirements with your Physical Therapist and Surgeon after surgery to will help develop a plan for returning to work.
When can I travel after surgery?
Any traveling with sitting greater than 1 hour can increase risk of blood clots due to inactivity and should be avoided until after your first post-operative appointment. While recovering you should make sure to stand/walk every hour to help decrease risk of developing blood clots. If you are planning to travel notify your Surgeon.
What should I bring to the hospital?
Pack lightly, bring identification and insurance cards, comfortable clothing and safe shoes for walking when you are discharged. The hospital is not responsible for lost or damaged valuables such as phones, laptops and tablets.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Surgeries are typically being done on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay. Each patient is evaluated by the Surgeon, Nurses, Physical Therapists and Care Managers to determine when it is safe to go home.
What equipment should I buy before surgery? (Toilet riser, walker, shower chair)
The Physical Therapist and Care Manager will evaluate what equipment (if any) is needed. The Care Manager will review individual insurance coverage and will order the equipment needed. Most insurances will cover the cost of a walker and a 3-in-1 commode which will be arranged at your pre-operative visit. For knee replacements I also recommend an ice machine which can be purchased online.
How long will I be on a blood thinner medication?
The Surgeon, will decide which blood thinner medication to take after surgery and for how long to take the medication. Medications prescribed and length of treatment depends on your health history and risk factors. Typically, patients take Aspirin twice a day for 4 weeks after surgery.
How do I prevent constipation after surgery?
Patients may experience constipation after surgery due to a variety of reasons such as anesthesia, pain medication, and not moving as much. The hospital will provide stool softeners while you are in the hospital and you should continue to take your prescribed stool softeners after going home. Also, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat foods high in fiber and stay as active as possible.
How long will I need pain medication after surgery?
Patients require different amounts of pain medications for different lengths of time. You will likely leave the hospital with a prescription for pain medication and after a few weeks you can switch to Tylenol in combination with Celebrex/Meloxicam/Ibuprofen. However, this will be determined by your physician, so please discuss concerns about pain with your physician.
Will the implant set off metal detectors?
Usually not...in the rare even you do set off the metal detector the TSA agent will wand you.
What are the artificial joints made of?
Depending on the implant, they are often made of a combination of metal, ceramic, and plastic. If you have questions regarding your implant speak with your Surgeon.
Why does my knee click?
The implants are made out of metal and plastic. The components will separate slightly with gravity and when you swing your knee to walk a clicking sound may be heard as the pieces come into contact. It does not mean the components are loose or broken; it should not cause any pain.
How long will my joint replacement last?
The durability of knee and hip replacements is quite good. The majority will last a lifetime; occasionally implants can wear out or become loose over time depending on your age and activity level.
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