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A total knee replacement (TKR) is most often used for patients with underlying disorders such as:
These disorders or injuries can damage the surfaces of the knee. The result can be very painful. You may change your body’s alignment or posture to deal with the pain. Unfortunately, these changes can cause even more problems.
A total knee replacement (TKR) will replace the worn surfaces and realign the knee if needed. In this procedure, a surgeon removes the worn surfaces of the bone and replaces them with metal and plastic.
Joint replacement surgery begins with an incision on the front of the knee. This allows the surgeon to see the underlying structures. Using a surgical saw, the surgeon removes any damaged ends of the:
A piece of metal is secured with bone cement to the end of the bone. A plastic spacer is then affixed to the tibia. The plastic spacer reduces friction inside the joint and allows for function similar to a normal knee. If needed, the surgeon will attempt to normalize the alignment of the knee.
The outcomes from total knee replacement (TKR) are generally successful. 90-95% of patients report a good to excellent clinical outcome.
The reason many patients undergo a total knee replacement is pain. The good news is that, after the post-operative pain resolves, most patients experience a significant reduction in their pain. The result is a return to many activities that were limited before surgery.
Typical recovery time for a TKR is between 12-16 weeks. Your commitment to your physical therapy and home rehabilitation program will directly influence your outcome. With dedication and perseverance, you can expect to regain all your strength and have between 110-120 degrees of motion.
At the conclusion of your rehabilitation program, you will be able to walk stairs, walk without a limp, and complete all your daily activities.
With continued exercise, you should be able to resume all activities except for those with the highest impact (i.e., running, high impact aerobics, trampoline).
PRE-SURGERY CHECKLIST
Your physician will give you a pre-surgery checklist that guides you through everything you need to do prior to surgery. You’ll have lots of support from your physician’s medical team to help you along the way. Common checklist items may include:
Schedule pre-operative physical
Prior to your joint replacement surgery, your physician will require you to undergo a pre-operative physical. Additional visits may be required based on the finding of your physical, so it’s often encouraged to complete this 3-4 weeks prior to your surgery.
Schedule pre-op labs/tests/consults (cardiology, pulmonary, etc.)
The lab tests specific to your surgeon can be completed during your pre-operative physical. Additional consults recommended by your physician should be completed prior to your joint replacement surgery as well. In the days leading up to your surgery, you may be required to complete any or all of the following:
Additional visits with your physician and specialists may be required if any of these tests have abnormal or irregular findings.
If you cannot complete these within 7 days prior to your surgery, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Schedule pre-op autologous blood donation (if indicated)
Less invasive surgical procedures and techniques have resulted in decreased blood loss during joint replacement procedures. In many situations patients no longer require transfusions during joint replacement surgery. For those patients that may need a transfusion (1-2%) your doctor will set up an appointment with the blood bank if you would like to use your own blood. If you have a history of cardiac disease, anemia, or an active infection, you may not be eligible to donate your own blood.
Schedule pre-operative physical therapy or joint camp
Your pre-operative physical therapy is the first step to achieving a successful outcome with your total knee replacement. Pre-operative physical therapy, sometimes referred to as “prehab”, typically occurs during the 4-6 weeks leading up to your joint replacement surgery. Current research has shown that patients with better strength and range of motion before surgery, do better after surgery.
Your digital care plan outlines the exercises you need to do to prepare for surgery. If you need help, you can schedule:
Schedule post-operative physical therapy
Physical therapy will be one of the most important parts of your recovery from total joint replacement surgery. If you have a preferred physical therapist, you can contact them to set up your post-operative physical therapy. If not, then convenient options will be recommended by your physician, or trusted physical therapists can be found using our provider directory. Your physical therapy will likely include a combination of digital, virtual, and in-person care. Do not wait to schedule!!! Those who begin therapy recover quicker and have less pain than those who wait!!!
Schedule hotel accommodations if needed
Some patients and families come from out of town. A list of local accommodations who provide preferred pricing will often be available upon request from your medical staff.
Order medical and/or rehabilitation equipment
Your physician or physical therapist may have recommended a walker, reacher, and/or other devices and equipment to assist you with walking, daily activities, pain/symptom management, and your exercise needs following joint replacement surgery. These items are further described in the Product and Equipment Recommendations section and can be ordered online through Amazon (or other suppliers) and shipped directly to your home.
If you are MRSA positive, perform pre-op MRSA protocol requirements
Staphylococcus specifically Staphylococcus Aureus is a common type of bacteria and can be found on your skin and the warm moist areas of your body. This germ is present in the nose of 20-25% of the population and is the leading cause of post-operative infections. Current research shows that those who have this bacterium in their nose are 2 times as likely to have an infection after surgery. If your pre-surgery screen is positive you will be prescribed an antibiotic and wash prior to surgery for up to 5 days with a pre-surgery body wash.
Complete surveys and/or assessments (knee scores, pain scores, etc.)
Surveys and assessments recommended by your physician and physical therapist should be completed prior to surgery, immediately after surgery, and every month thereafter for 1 year.
Prepare medication schedules and monitoring reminders (particularly for Coumadin use)
Your medication schedules should be planned out prior to surgery so you, your family members, and/or caregivers clearly understand what medications are required, when they should be taken, and appropriate dosages.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Getting your body ready for joint replacement
Do not schedule dental work in the 4 weeks prior to your surgery and in the 3 months following surgery. Since you have an artificial joint, your risk of contracting a blood borne infection is increased more than normal.
Make a complete list of your medications and discuss them with your surgeon at your pre-operative visit. There are some medications such as aspirin, NSAIDS and blood thinners that your physician may recommend changes in dosage or stopping in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
4 days before your surgery, you should begin to shower using Chlorhexidine. Most surgeons provide a bottle of Betasept or Hibiclens to patients prior to surgery. If you need a bottle, it can be bought at any pharmacy.
Weight loss before joint replacement surgery
You may have been on a diet prior to joint replacement surgery. 2 weeks before your surgery, your physician may advise you to stop your diet and return to normal caloric intake for your body weight.
Prior to surgery, balanced meals that are high in protein and vegetables are recommended. You should also increase your calcium intake prior to surgery to help with healing and maintain bone health.
What to bring to the hospital
Preparing for your post-operative care
We suggest that you pack your bags a week before your joint replacement surgery. The 2-3 days before surgery are a busy and sometimes stressful time. The last thing you need to think about is whether you’ve got enough socks.
If you have a cane or other device you’ve been using to help you walk, bring it with you to your surgery. Your care team will make sure it gets to your room.
Don’t forget to complete your outcome measures before the day of surgery.
Two business days before joint replacement surgery
Two days (or more) before your joint replacement surgery, a surgical staff member will call you. They’ll confirm the time of your surgery, what time you should arrive at the hospital, and answer any last-minute questions.
You will need to provide the following:
The day/night before joint replacement surgery
The big day is almost here!!! Please remember the following as you begin your final preparations for surgery:
YOUR DAY OF SURGERY
Directions and parking
Make sure you understand how to get to the hospital or surgery center and know exactly where you need to park. If you don’t, call ahead.
Check-in and registration
Arrive early to make sure you allow time for check-in and registration.
What you can eat or drink the morning of surgery
The morning of your joint replacement surgery you should not eat or drink anything except a small amount of water, if needed, to quench your thirst.
What medications you should take the morning of surgery
Your physician will provide you with information related to what medications should be taken. Make sure you confirm this prior to the morning of surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, there will be post-operative pain. You can limit your pain by controlling your swelling, completing your exercise program, and keeping your leg elevated when inactive.
What is normal and when to be concerned
Overall, your pain level should be on a downward trajectory. When you first come home you may have pain similar to that you had in the hospital but rest assured, this will begin to quickly resolve as your swelling decreases and your activity tolerance increases.
You should be concerned about pain that doesn’t resolve or seems to be getting worse over time. When pain limits your ability to do even the simplest exercises, you should contact your physician or rehabilitation provider.
Sometimes pain is connected with other signs and symptoms:
Benefits and limitations of pain management
Keeping your pain at a manageable level is one of the most important aspects of post-surgical rehabilitation. The better your pain is controlled, the quicker your recovery will be.
Pain control methods
Narcotics
There has been increasingly negative attention given to the use of opioids and narcotics by post-surgical patients. Yes, these drugs can be habit forming, but there is a reason your physician uses them. If you can control your pain, this will allow you to better tolerate your exercises.
If you have concerns regarding your medication, contact your physician. DO NOT attempt to self-medicate or change your medication without the guidance of your physician.
Other medications
Many patients choose to forgo their pain medications because they are worried about addiction. If this is a concern, there are many medications that are not habit forming, that can be used to control your pain.
It is important not to add (or subtract) any medications without first clearing this with your physician. Your physician knows which medications you are on and how those medications might interact with others.
Other pain relief and comfort measures
Some of the best pain relief measures are free!
Ice – Ice can help decrease / control your swelling and has analgesic effects as well. You can use ice up to 20 minutes at a time, every 2 hours. Make sure you take the ice off after 20 minutes as longer sessions can actually reverse the effects and increase swelling.
Exercise – We know it sounds crazy, but more movement is better. You should complete your exercise program twice a day in the early stages of your rehabilitation. Additionally, you don’t want to stay in the same position for extended periods of time. It’s recommended you get up and move every 45 minutes to an hour.
Pain assessment
Each day you should rate your pain on a scale from 0-10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Tracking this measure over time allows your medical staff and rehabilitation team to assess your progress and identify if there is an unexplainable change in your pain.
There can be complications following joint replacement surgery, but they are rare. Broadly, if you experience a SUDDEN INCREASE in symptoms, experience the onset of new symptoms or there is a significant change in your post-surgery symptoms, contact your physician’s office.
Infection
One potential complication after total knee replacement is a surgical site infection. The chances of developing a post-surgical site infection is 1-3%.
How to prevent infection
WASH YOUR HANDS! This is one of the best ways to prevent transmission of any disease or foreign matter that might be on your hands.
After joint replacement surgery, the best way to prevent infection is to keep your wound clean. Your wound will be covered in the days after surgery. When uncovered, use a CLEAN cloth, soap, and water to cleanse the wound.
Your bathing will be restricted in the weeks following surgery until the wound closes. DO NOT IMMERSE YOUR WOUND SITE UNTIL THE POST OPERATIVE CLOSURES HAVE BEEN REMOVED.
Signs and symptoms of infection
When to be concerned / when to call
If you feel you have an infection, call your physician’s office and they will schedule an appointment. Though this is not an emergency, DO NOT WAIT TO SCHEDULE. If it is an infection, it will not resolve on its own.
Blood clots
Another complication after joint replacement surgery can be the development of tiny blood clots in your leg. Sometimes these clots can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This is not common, but it is considered a medical emergency.
How to prevent blood clots
Signs and symptoms of blood clots
Signs and symptoms specific to DVT include:
Any one of these signs is cause for concern and should result in a call to your physician. If you have 2 or more of these signs you should call your physician immediately.
Shortness of breath or chest pain can be signs of a pulmonary embolism and should be treated as a medical emergency. Please call 911 if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain.
When to be concerned / when to call
Dressing changes
The surgical staff will give you instructions regarding dressing changes. It’s important your dressing gets changed as instructed to ensure your wound stays clean.
Showering and bathing
You will not be able to immerse your wound until it has closed, and the staples/sutures have been removed.
You may sponge bathe and, if the wound is covered in a plastic dressing that resists water, you may be able to shower.
Applying compression stockings
Many post-surgical protocols involve compression stockings to assist with edema control and prevention of DVT’s. If this is part of your surgeon’s protocol, you will be issued a pair in the hospital.
You should wear these stockings as much as possible until your activity level increases to the point that you are no longer restricted in your movements.
Scar management
Care of your incision and scar is very important. You will begin scar massage/mobilization when your incision has closed and has begun to heal. Instructions on incision care will be included with your program.
In weeks 4-16 after joint replacement surgery, you will begin vertical soft tissue massage in the area of your scar.
After 16 weeks, the soft tissue in the wound has healed enough to tolerate light progressing to moderate horizontal massage of the scar to continue increasing mobility of the scar and tissue in the area of the scar.
Sleeping tips
Sleep is sometimes difficult after joint replacement surgery. This is a very important part of your healing and recovery.
Some patients sleep with a pillow under their leg to keep their foot elevated above their heart. This will assist with edema control. If you do sleep with a pillow, support your knee and hip, and keep your leg as straight as possible.
Activity precautions
There are minimal precautions in regard to activity after your joint replacement surgery. We recommend using pain and swelling as a guide for your activity.
If your pain resolves and continues to decrease daily, your activity level is well within the norm.
If your swelling decreases daily, your activity level is within the norm.
If either pain or swelling remains high after an exercise session, and doesn’t resolve by the next session, your exercise level may be too high.
Medical and rehabilitation equipment
Your physician and/or physical therapist will provide equipment recommendations to help you progress through the injury recovery process. These will include adaptive devices to assist you with walking and your activities of daily living as well as home exercise equipment. If they are not covered by your insurance, these products can be purchased online and delivered directly to your home. You can find these in the Product & Equipment Recommendations section.
Home safety checklist
Safety at home is one of the primary goals of your physician and rehabilitation provider. Prior to your return home, all throw rugs should be removed from the floor. These types of rugs can easily catch your toe or the edge of an assistive device.
Pets are great friends during recovery but can be the source of falls. Make sure you know where your pets are before you get up to walk. It may be a good idea to have a family member or neighbor care for your pet during the first few weeks you are home.
Preventing falls
Falls are one of the primary sources of re-admission and visits to your physician. You can prevent falls by taking a few extra seconds to assess your environment and plan your steps before you stand up.
If you find you are light-headed when you stand up, let this clear before you begin to walk. If your lightheadedness persists or you are having blackouts, you should call your physician.
Sitting down and standing up
Coming to a stand is sometimes one of the most difficult activities after joint replacement surgery. This can be made easier by finding chairs with arms and avoiding low chairs.
Don’t pull on your walker or your assistive device to get up out of a chair. These devices move easily and were not meant to help you with sit to stand.
Going up and down stairs
Stairs can be difficult after your surgery. In the days following your joint replacement surgery, you may need to take stairs one at a time. This is okay but one of your early goals should be to return to a step over-step pattern as soon as possible.
Getting in and out of a vehicle
Though your mobility is limited after joint replacement surgery, you should be able to get in and out of a car. Here’s a few tricks and tips to help out.
Entrance and walking paths
Entrances, especially doors, can be challenging after joint replacement surgery, especially when you ‘re using an assistive device.
Toilet transfers
Sometimes getting on and off a low toilet can be difficult after surgery. If you have low toilets in your home, you may benefit from the use of a raised toilet seat. You can order a raised toilet seat online from the Product & Equipment Recommendations section.
Bathroom safety
Many patients opt to have bars installed in their bathroom to assist after surgery. We recommend these devices be in place before you return home. You can order grab bars online from the Product & Equipment Recommendations section.
Adaptive bath equipment
Bathing after surgery may require extra equipment. Remember, your incision should be kept dry for the 7 days following surgery. After this you can shower. You should try to keep the incision dry.
You may benefit from a shower chair so you can sit and bathe after surgery. You can purchase a shower chair online from the Product & Equipment Recommendations section.
Tub and shower transfers
Here are a few tips for transferring in and out of the shower.
You can purchase a tub transfer bench online from the Product & Equipment Recommendations section.
Kitchen safety
Take extra time in the kitchen especially if you’re using an assistive device.
The importance of physical therapy
Your physical therapy and your physical therapist will be the cornerstone of your rehabilitation. The commitment and effort you dedicate to your daily exercises will directly affect your function after your total knee replacement.
Physical therapy will start prior to your surgery with “prehab”. These exercises, though they may be somewhat painful at times, have been shown to increase strength, range of motion and balance before your surgery. Those patients who have increased strength, range of motion and balance, prior to joint replacement surgery, have better overall outcomes and less post-operative complications. Your daily exercise program in the hospital, at home, and at the physical therapy clinic you choose, is the most important element of your recovery. There will be discomfort associated with your exercises but the pain you experienced before joint replacement surgery will be significantly reduced.
Telehealth vs. conventional (onsite) physical therapy
For many patients, Telehealth physical therapy is replacing the need to go onsite for conventional physical therapy. Telehealth physical therapy is delivered via 2-way HD video by a licensed physical therapist. It’s fast, convenient, and the preferred choice for many since it can be delivered to you in the comfort of your own home. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement prefer a hybrid approach to physical therapy where the majority of their physical therapy care is delivered digitally and virtually, combined with some hands-on care in a physical therapy clinic (or in your home) when needed.
Scheduling physical therapy
You can schedule your physical therapy with a therapist you’ve worked with before or use our directory to find a trusted provider that delivers both Telehealth and in-person physical therapy in a clinic conveniently located near you (or in your home if the service is available in your area).
Common symptoms during rehabilitation
After joint replacement surgery you may have difficulty with normal activities like walking, using stairs, etc. Also, in your repaired knee you may notice:
When to be concerned / when to call
There can be complications following joint replacement surgery, but they are rare. Broadly, if you experience a SUDDEN INCREASE in symptoms, experience the onset of new symptoms or there is a significant change in your post-surgery symptoms, please contact your surgeon’s or therapist’s office.
One of the more common complications after total knee replacement is a surgical site infection. The chances of developing a post-surgical site infection is 1-3%. Typical symptoms of a surgical site infection include:
You should call your physician if you feel you may have an infection.
Another complication after joint replacement surgery can be the development of tiny blood clots in your leg. Sometimes these clots can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This is not common, but it is considered a medical emergency. Please call 911 if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain.
There is no “good time” of the year to have surgery. Some patients like to have their surgery in the winter so that they may recover in time to participate in springtime activities. Others like to have their surgery during the spring or summer months so they can walk and complete their exercise outside.
Typical recovery time for a TKR is between 12-16 weeks. Your commitment to your physical therapy and home rehabilitation program will directly influence your outcome.
After total knee replacement, patients usually either go home the same day of surgery or spend the night in the hospital.
After surgery you will experience a period of decreased activity. Immediately following surgery, the focus will be on reducing your swelling and improving your mobility. During the first few weeks you’ll be able to walk independently and do normal household chores. You may leave your house once you feel safe using crutches or a cane. Following your rehabilitation plan is critical. Your rehab plan includes exercises proven to aid in recovery. To start, your exercises will be simple. The early goals are to straighten your knee, increase its overall strength, and maintain mobility of your knee cap. You should begin to have less pain each week. Within 8-12 weeks, your pain should be reduced by about 90%.
You may sponge bathe and, if the wound is covered in a plastic dressing that resists water, you may be able to shower. You will not be able to immerse your wound until it has closed, and the staples/sutures have been removed.
For many patients, Telehealth physical therapy is replacing the need to go onsite for conventional physical therapy. Telehealth physical therapy is delivered via 2-way HD video by a licensed physical therapist. It’s fast, convenient, and the preferred choice for many since it can be delivered to you in the comfort of your own home. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement prefer a hybrid approach to physical therapy where the majority of their physical therapy care is delivered digitally and virtually, combined with some hands-on care in a physical therapy clinic (or in your home) when needed.
Physical therapy will start prior to your surgery with “prehab”. These exercises, though they may be somewhat painful at times, have been shown to increase strength, range of motion and balance before your surgery. Those patients who have increased strength, range of motion and balance, prior to joint replacement surgery, have better overall outcomes and less post-operative complications.
If inpatient physical therapy is required, it will typically start in the evening following your surgery or the next morning.
Physical therapy will be one of the most important parts of your recovery from total joint replacement surgery. If you have a preferred physical therapist, you can contact them to set up your post-operative physical therapy. If not, then convenient options will be recommended by your physician, or trusted physical therapists can be found using our provider directory. Your physical therapy will likely include a combination of digital, virtual, and onsite care. Don’t wait to schedule!!! Those who begin therapy early, recover quicker and have less pain than those who wait!!!
This is different for each patient; some are able to use Tylenol or Advil after they leave the hospital, and others require pain medication as needed for 1-2 weeks.
Many patients choose to forgo their pain medications because they are worried about addiction. If this is a concern, there are many medications that are not habit forming, that can be used to control your pain.
It is important not to add (or subtract) any medications without first clearing this with your physician. Your physician knows which medications you are on and how those medications might interact with others.
Within 6 weeks, you will have resumed most of your normal activities. Squatting and kneeling will come with time. It’s essential you continue to adhere to your rehabilitation plan.
Surgical healing usually takes 6-8 weeks. However, the tissues remain swollen which can cause stiffness and discomfort for some time. The discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications like Aleve or Tylenol although sometimes prescribed pain pills are necessary. Over time, the knee tissues begin to loosen up and feel more natural.
Swelling by itself is not cause for concern as this is normal after your total knee replacement. Fluid can accumulate in the legs due to the effect of gravity and simply doing more. To address this, you should elevate your legs at night by lying on your back and placing a bed wedge or pillows under your legs so that they are above your heart. Compression stockings (medium – 15-20 mm Hg) can also be used during the day to control swelling.
You should be concerned if you have swelling that doesn’t resolve or decrease when your leg is elevated. Additional concerns would be swelling that doesn’t resolve and is associated with:
Any of the above, when combined with increased swelling that does not resolve, may be signs of infection.
Your new knee may make noises. Little clicks and pops are okay and normal. This is typically a result of the soft tissue moving across the joint, or the metal parts coming into contact with one another. This sensation usually diminishes as your muscles get stronger. You should not experience “locking” of the joint. If this occurs there may be a problem with your knee, and you should make an appointment to see your surgeon.
You may notice a small area of numbness around the incision on your knee. For some patients it will diminish and can completely go away over time, and for others some numbness may remain. It can be slow and take several months or even a year.
Cold is typically used to control inflammation, particularly after surgery or acute injury. Generally, the effects of a cold pack influence the superficial tissues by decreasing blood flow. There are many forms of cold but the most common is a simple bag full of ice. Many patients use cold packs before and after surgery. Here are a few guidelines:
Heat is typically used to relax a joint and the surrounding tissues and to decrease pain. Generally, the effects of a hot pack influence the superficial tissues by increasing blood flow. There are many forms of heat but the most common is the electric heating pack you might buy at the drugstore or order online. Many patients use heat before and after surgery. Here are a few guidelines:
This will depend on the requirements of your job. Patients who have desk jobs may go back as soon as 4 weeks while those with heavy lifting, bending, stooping, and squatting elements of their job may be required to wait 6-12 weeks. It’s never a mistake to take more time off in the beginning (if possible) to focus on your recovery.
This is a common concern for patients after total knee replacement. During the first few weeks, your restrictions in range of motion, decreased strength and potential use of narcotic medications create a situation where driving is unsafe.
You should check with your surgeon, but if it’s your right knee, most recommend that you do not drive for the first 4-6 weeks after total knee replacement. If it’s your left knee, you can resume driving after you are off of your pain meds and can safely enter and exit your vehicle.
Minimizing high impact activities after surgery is a good idea. The parts of your joint replacement have a finite life span. High impact activities are those where your entire body is off the ground and all your weight lands on one leg. Running, jumping, and even jogging are high impact while cycling, stair-master, elliptical, golf, and walking are low impact. Limiting high impact activities will extend the longevity of your implant.
Be patient as everyone is different. Some people progress more quickly than others. Usually at 4 months post-op, patients are comfortable returning to play golf following total knee replacement.
You may want to wait 4 weeks before you travel as this is the point at which many patients are walking without an assistive device. We do recommend that you get out of the car or up from your seat every 45 -60 minutes to prevent your knee from getting stiff during extended trips. Having an aisle seat and wearing compression stockings if you are travelling on an airplane within 1-month post-op are recommended. Also, blood thinners may be recommended to prevent blood clots if you are travelling in the first 6 weeks. You should call your physician’s office for more specific recommendations.
After your recovery period, you have no restrictions on travel.
Occasionally your implant may set off the metal detectors or x-ray machines at the airport. You may need to be hand-screened, so please leave extra time when you travel. Be prepared to answer a few questions about your surgery. You do not need a card to get through the airport, however having a note from your physician is always a good idea. This surgery WILL NOT prevent you from traveling!
Yes, the majority of MRI scanning equipment today is safe and compatible with knee replacement parts. An MRI in the area of the joint implant however will not yield good pictures because of the metal artifact. MRI of a joint replacement should be performed at a facility with experience with techniques used to suppress the metal artifact.
Dental work is restricted after total knee replacement because of concerns with infection. You may be advised to wait 8 weeks before scheduling any basic dental work (cleaning, regular checkup etc.).
For more invasive work such as root canals, you may be advised to wait 12 weeks. Check with your surgeon prior to your dental appointment.
Some surgeons may recommend a short course of anti-biotics, prior to dental work, to decrease the risk of infection.
Yes, taking calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone strength. Generally, 1000-1500 mg of calcium citrate and 400 IU of vitamin D are adequate.
For patients with osteoporosis, it is very important that you take your supplements after surgery. For those patients who were not taking supplements prior to surgery, and have minimal risk of developing osteoporosis, additional supplementation for bone health is still a good idea.
All implants have a limited life expectancy that depends on several factors including a patient’s weight, activity level, adherence to exercise, quality of bone stock, and compliance with their physician’s orders. However, alignment and positioning are also very important factors affecting the life expectancy of an implant. The goal of your knee replacement is to achieve the absolute best alignment and positioning of your implant to help it last as long as possible. Most studies have demonstrated a 90% survival rate at 10 years.
