Zimmer knee Surgery Preparation

To prepare for a knee surgery, patients must complete tests including a standard blood panel, urinalysis, and EKG. These will evaluate a patient’s overall condition. The doctor may also ask for a blood donation, because it is common for patients to need 1-2 units of blood while undergoing a surgery. Other things a doctor may request is a physical therapy course before going under. Recovery is faster if the muscles and tendons surrounding the artificial knee are in top condition. This will also get a patient used to a routine before recovery, and the comfort of using the same therapist.

If you are about to undergo a knee surgery, there are several things to keep in mind. Prior to knee replacement, it is a good idea to complete all necessary pre-authorizations with your insurance company. Getting the necessary walking aids and assistive devices are also important, because many patients need a walker at first then progress to crutches, and finally a cane once their strength is adequate. Other items such as a toilet riser and shower bench may be necessary as well.

The medications you are currently taking will need to be reviewed, and use of blood thinners will need to be stopped ten days to two weeks prior to surgery. Patients are also advised to meet with an anesthesiologist to prepare for undergoing anesthesia. A “night before surgery” list of instructions will help prepare the patient patients, and must be followed or else the procedure may be delayed.

Patients are advised not to climb stairs (sleep on the ground floor if you live in a two-story home). Recliner chairs are prohibited, and pets and small children should be monitored so a fall is prevented, which could complicate post-surgery recovery, which may require up to three days in the hospital. Having someone with you when you return home is beneficial, along with arranging for transportation or telecommuting to work since you will be unable to drive for 10 days to 2 weeks post-surgery.

If you are having problems with your knee implant it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor right away. If you feel that your knee implant may be faulty, as a Charleston knee recall lawyer, I recommend having your case evaluated with a lawyer, should you need one in a Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee lawsuit.