TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Patient Discharge Instructions
Follow-up Appointment: Date: ___________________ Time: ________________
Incision Care
- Do not remove dressing unless saturated. Dressing will be removed by orthopedic provider at your follow-up appointment. If Dressing becomes saturated, remove and replace with gauze and tape.
- When showering, cover dressing with plastic wrap and tape. Keep clean and dry.
- Do not submerge dressing in bathtub, pool or hot tub for 6 weeks after surgery or until given the OK from orthopedic provider.
Medications
- Anti-coagulants (blood thinners): As prescribed. Most often this will be Aspirin 325 mg twice a day for 4 weeks from date of surgery. If you were on routine anti-coagulants before surgery, please resume according to your cardiologist or PCP instructions.
- Pain management: Prescription medications will be e-scribed to your preferred pharmacy. Ice and elevate operative leg.
- Supplements: Prescriptions will be e-scribed to your preferred pharmacy.
- Constipation: Over the counter stool softener or laxative as needed.
Activity, Physical Therapy and Return to Work
- Begin Outpatient Physical Therapy as soon as possible. Ideally, the day after discharge home from surgery.
- Weight-bearing as tolerated. No running or heavy lifting
- Application of ice 2-3 a day for 20-30 minutes at a time
- Use assistive device as instructed (walker or crutches)
- Perform home exercises 2-3 times a day
- Compression stockings to lower legs during the day, remove before bed
- Follow surgeon’s instruction on return to work date
Call the Texas Bone and Joint office at 877-314-8990 if:
- Sustained temperature greater than 101.0 F despite taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen
- New or increased bleeding, redness, swelling, pain or drainage from incision site
Patient Signature_____________________ Date_________
Discharge Nurse Signature ______________________ Date ______________