Robotically Assisted
Knee SurgeryAim of Surgery
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It is done to remove the pain from the arthritis that affects more than one part of your knee.
Before Surgery
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Pre-Operative Assessment of fitness for surgery:
– This is usually undertaken by one of the nurses at the hospital to make sure that you are fit enough for the operation
– You will need a CT scan 2 to 4 weeks before the surgery takes place
– You will usually have blood tests and may also have a tracing of your heart (ECG) or a chest X-ray
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
– This does not require stopping prior to surgery, but please tell us when you are admitted to ensure that we give you injections to help prevent you getting a blood clot in your leg
In Hospital
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Scratches / Cuts
– If you have any scratches, cuts or the like on your leg when you are admitted for surgery then your operation may be postponed if Mr Lavender believes that these will pose a risk to you getting an infection at the time of your surgery
Consent
– Mr Lavender will come and see you when you arrive. He will get you to sign a form (Consent Form) agreeing to the operation and explain the risks of the surgery
Stay
– You will normally stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days
Anaesthetic
– Usually the surgery is done under a spinal anaesthetic (Needle in the back that numbs the legs) as this is better for you
– The final decision is made after a discussion between yourself and the anaesthetist
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
– There is a risk of getting a blood clot in your leg after the operation
– You will be started on a course if injections to help prevent you getting a blood clot and these last for 14 days after your surgery
– You will be encouraged to walk as soon as possible after your operation to help the blood flow in your legs and
reduce the chances of blood clots
Walking
– You can walk with all your weight on the operated leg as soon as the anaesthetic wears off
– You will have a pair of crutches to help you walk. You can stop using them when you feel able
Rehabilitation
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Physiotherapy
– There will be lots of this after your operation to keep your knee moving through a full range of movement
– Keeping the ability to get your knee straight is very important
– The range of movement you get after the operation is usually the range of movement you had before the surgery. The average knee replacement moves from straight to 95 degrees.
Swelling
– The leg that is operated on often stays swollen compared to the other leg for up to 6 months
Warmth
– The skin over the knee on the leg that has been operated on often feels warmer than the other knee for 6 months
Numbness
– The knee that has been operated on often has an area of numbness next to the scar that improves over 18 months
Stitches
– Mr Lavender usually uses clips. These do not hurt when being removed. They are usually removed after 2 weeks by the District Nurse.
Driving
– You are unable to drive for at least:
– Left leg (6 weeks)
– Right left (6 weeks)
Work
– This depends upon the type of work you do and should be discussed with Mr Lavender. As a rough guide you will be off work for 6 to 8 weeks
Sick note
– Mr Lavender will provide you with a sick note if you require one
Kneeling
– This can be done when you feel comfortable
– 80% of patients are able to kneel on the operated knee after the surgery
Flying
– You are not allowed to fly for 6 weeks following your surgery, due to the risk of blood clots in your legs
Sport
– Your return depends upon the type of sport and should be discussed with Mr Lavender
Follow Up
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Expectations
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For a condensed version of this page, click on the PDF below :
Sport After Knee Joint Replacement
For more information about going back to sport after a knee replacement, download the free PDF below:
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Spire Hospital
170 Barlow Moor Road
Manchester
M20 2AF