Home

Site Map

Links

News


Advanced Search

HomeReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryPain and pain management Hospital stay Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital Hospital discharge Convalescent assistance RehabilitationConclusion

Print Complete Article
View article with questions

Knee Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Recovering from surgery

Pain and pain management

Analgesics administered through the epidural catheter placed for surgery are very effective for controlling postoperative pain and are used for approximately 48 hours. Patient controlled intravenous narcotics can be used as a substitute for or supplement to epidural analgesics. By the third postoperative day oral narcotics are usually sufficient for pain relief, and are quickly tapered according to individual patient needs. After that oral narcotics are administered and provided for the first two to four weeks after the patient has been discharged.

These medications are very effective in relieving the pain associated with total hip replacement. Dryness in the mouth, sleepiness, lightheadedness and constipation are the most frequent side effects of narcotic medications. The most serious side effect is suppression of respiration.

Hospital stay

The physical therapist starts with a rehabilitation program on day one post-surgery. Trained nurses observe the patient in the ward. The surgeon and the surgical team evaluate the surgical incision daily and the patient normally gets discharged on the 4th day. The epidural catheter and bladder catheter are normally removed within 24 to 48 hours.

Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital

90% of recovery takes place within the first six weeks. Rehabilitation begins on the first postoperative day. It starts with sitting or standing at the bedside and progresses to walking with assistance and stair climbing. Knee range of motion is begun on the second postoperative day, and is combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises. Instruction in the use of assistive devices is given.

Hospital discharge

The patient is discharged with oral narcotics to ensure comfort at home. Patients are usually ambulatory with a walker and independently mobilize from bed to walking. Physical activity and joint range of motion exercises are provided by the physical therapist. The patient is seen approximately two weeks after surgery to remove staples and stitches and to check the wound and to make sure the rehabilitation is going according to plan.

Convalescent assistance

Most patients go home after 4 days in the hospital, provided that there is someone to help them with the activities of daily living. If they do not have help at home then a short stay at a rehabilitation/convalescent facility will be necessary until they can resume independent living.

Surgery for Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated 0.42 out of 5 stars (43 ratings).