Knee Replacement &
Unicompartmental knee Replacement
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Knee Replacements & The Surgery Involved
    What anaesthesia is used? - Knee replacement can be done under spinal, epidural or general anaesthesia. What is most suitable for you is decided on an individual basis.

    Preparing for Surgery - Orthopaedic Evaluation - The Orthopaedic Surgeon will discuss with you various aspects of the surgery.

    Medical Evaluation - For any specific other medical illnesses a physician may be involved.

    Sites of Infection - There must be no active sites of infection. Common sites are dental, chest and urinary. Tell your doctor of any infection if present.

    Tests - X-Rays, blood test, urine test and an ECG will be required. Special tests like 2D Echo of heart are done on an individual basis.

    Blood Donation - You may be advised to donate your own blood prior to surgery. This will then be used for yourself after the surgery.

    Blood Thinners - like Asprin, Disprin, Ecosprin, Persantin, Clopegril, Warfarin etc must be stopped one week prior to surgery.

    Admission - You will usually be admitted on the evening before the surgery. Please bring all your reports and Xrays to the hospital.

    Before the surgery -
    • The resident doctor and anaesthetist will come and meet you prior to the surgery.
    • You will be told to remain starving for 6 hours before the surgery.
    • Regular neccessary medication should be taken on the day of surgery with a sip of water.
    • Brushing teeth on the morning of the surgery is permitted.
    • Remove dentures, contact lenses, spectacles, jewellery and valuables before going for your operation.
    Before the surgery -
    • You are usually shifted back to the room. You will have an intravenous line through which fluid and nourishment is given.
    • Antibiotics are administered through the line to prevent infection.
    • Blood clots are prevented by the use of compression devices and blood thinners.
    • Pain is minimal as various pain killers and pain relieving methods such as epidural or patient controlled analgesia are used.
    • Oral intake is usually started 6 hours after surgery.
    • Physiotherapy is usually started 6 hours after surgery.
    • Hospitalisation is usually for 3 to 7 days.
“For years I put off doing the operation because I was very scared. The surgery was so painless and recovery so fast, that I wish I had done it earlier.”
- Mrs. R. Shah
both knees replaced
 
 
© 2018, Dr Darius Soonawalla.