TKA (Total Knee Arthroplasty)

Question 1

Difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

osteoarthritis is a disease assumed to result from wear and tear over time, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks joint tissues

Question 2

what should you do before considering a total knee replacement?

Answer 2

Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, injection therapy, weight loss, exercise

Question 3

what should you do to prepare yourself for surgery?

Answer 3

lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, get your dental work complete, build upper body strength

Question 4

what should you do to prepare your home for a surgery

Answer 4

Remove rugs, collapsible furniture, put strips in your bathroom so you don’t slip, install rails wherever you need them, raised toilet seat, hide cords that you can trip on

Question 5

what happens right before surgery?

Answer 5

you are not allowed to eat or drink after 12:00 a.m. the day of surgery, you may get blood transfusions as necessary, the nurse will check your vitals, they’ll give you an injection to help you relax

Question 6

what does a total knee replacement do (or what does the surgery look like)?

Answer 6

they removed damaged surfaces and replace the surfaces of bone and cartilage with metal and plastic that act like your joint would if it was working normally

Question 7

what happens after surgery?

Answer 7

you’re discharged after two to four days, the PT in the hospital will help you stand after 24 hours, and in the next 24 hours will help you walk, you’ll get an IV until you can eat, compressions and ice packs on the legs

Question 8

what happens when you return home?

Answer 8

you should limit your activity at first, do the physical therapy exercise program that your PT has assigned you at home

Question 9

what activities are affected by a bad knee joint?

Answer 9

exercising, walking, getting in and out of a car, going up and down stairs, bending to pick something up, getting in and out of chairs, going with your wife to the store, cooking, etc

Question 10

what kind of exercises will the PT have you do after surgery?

Answer 10

quad sets, ankle circles for blood flow, ankle pumps for blood flow and reducing blood clots, pointing toes, bridges, bending up and down on the walker, sitting, and in bed, calf raises, pushing up from bed sitting/standing