What is artificial knee replacement?

Why is this surgery needed?

1. Restore the original smooth and normal angle of the knee joint and relieve joint pain.
2. Improve the quality of life.

Preparation before surgery:

1. The preoperative tests includes electrocardiography, chest x-rays, and blood tests.
2. The doctor will explain the process and the purpose of the operation to the patient and family. The patient will sign an operation consent form, anesthesia consent form, blood transfusion consent form, and self-pay consent form.
3. In order to observe the patient’s skin color during anesthesia, prior to operation, nail polish and lipstick must be removed.
4. To avoid anesthesia risk of vomiting, the patient cannot eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before surgery. After patient returns to the ward, the eating instructions must be followed.
5.  On the morning of surgery, the patient will change into a surgical gown and will be required to remove dentures, watches, and jewelry, etc.

Post-operative care:

1. The patient must keep the knee straight. If the leg is swollen, use pillows to elevate the calf, but do not place pillows directly under the knee. Avoid keeping the knee bent for long periods, as this may make it difficult to fully straighten the joint.
2. To prevent pressure injury, the patient should change position at least every two hours.
3. Walking is recommended starting the day after surgery. For your first time walking, the nurse will assist you and teach you how to use crutches or a walker (More information: Use of Crutches or Walker).
4. Rehabilitation:
   1. Ankle pumping: Move your ankle all the way up and all the way down. Rotate your ankle left and right. Repeat 10 times per hour (Figure 1).
   2. Quadriceps sets: Lie on back with legs straight. Tighten the thigh muscles by pushing the back of the knee down into the bed. Hold the contraction for five seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times(Figure 2).
      
   3. Straight Leg Raise Exercise.
      Lie flat on your back, tighten your thigh muscles and slowly lift the operated leg off the bed, hold for 5 seconds. Start this exercise after surgery as long as the pain is tolerable, perform at least 4 times a day, 10-15 minutes each time (Figure 3).
      
   4. Knee flexion and stretch exercise.
      • Lie down and flex the operated leg, then slowly stretch it out as much as possible (Figure 4).
        
      • Continuous passive motion (CPM) exercise :Follow your doctor’s instructions and use the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine once or twice a day for about 15 minutes to help with knee flexion and stretching. Applying an ice pack and gentle pressure on the affected leg may help reduce pain and swelling (Figure 5).
        
      • 
      • Sitting on the edge of a bed or chair, place the good limb in front of the operated leg at the ankle, and apply downward pressure for five seconds. Next, raise the operated leg and stretch for five seconds, then slowly put it down. Repeat 10 times. 3-5 secessions per time(Figure 6).