Knee Surgery: How to Avoid Follow-up Problems

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 05:03

by Dr. Richard Edelson

Blood Clots: What To Do To Prevent Them

To minimize the possibility of blood clots, you must follow your orthopedists instructions closely. Blood clots are a hazard during the first few weeks after surgery.

Here Are The Signs to Watch Out For

Here are the warning signs that you may have a blood clot in your leg:

Your foot, ankle and calf may swell.

Your calf may hurt.

You may see tenderness and redness around the knee.

Chest pain without warning.

Chest pain with coughing.

A blood clot that has traveled to your lung may cause the following:

A sudden feeling of shortness of breath.

You should call your physician right away if any of these signs develop.

Click here for more on Portland Shoulder Surgery.

Infection: What to Do to Prevent It

Your knee may become infected after your surgery. The reason for this is usually that bacteria has gotten into your blood somehow. Usually this will happen because of an infection of your skin or a urinary tract infection. It can also happen because you have had dental work. The bacteria generated by one of these conditions can travel and set itself up in your knee replacement. This causes infection.

Your surgeon will give you a prescription for antibiotics to take after your surgery. You should take these exactly as your doctor orders. This will prevent infection setting up in your knee replacement.

Knee Replacement Infection: What to Watch Out For

Your knee may feel painful both when you are active and when you are resting.

You may have chills and shaking.

Your knee replacement may be tender, red and swollen.

You may experience a persistent oral temperature of over 100F.

Your knee wound may drain.

If any of these signs happen, call your doctor immediately.

How to Avoid Falls

You could damage your new knee if you fall soon after your surgery. This could cause you to need follow-up surgery. For this reason, it is important to avoid stairs and use assistive devices such as a cane, walker or crutches. Failing this, be sure to have assistance from another person and use handrails any time they are available. Continue to be careful until you have regained your strength, flexibility and balance.

Double-check with your physical therapist or your surgeon before you make the decision to stop using your assistive devices. They can help you decide if it is really time to stop using them altogether or if you need a different type of device.

About the Author:

Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Portland Labral Tear Repairs and Shoulder Doctors in Portland.

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