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Post-operative CareIn a small percentage of people, as with all major surgical procedures, knee replacement complications can occur. Below is a list of potential knee replacement complications and steps you can take to prevent their occurrence.
Thrombophlebitis
• Blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
IMPORTANT: If you develop swelling, redness, pain and/or tenderness in the calf muscle, report these symptoms to your orthopaedic surgeon or internist immediately.
Infection
• Monitor your incision closely and immediately report any redness, swelling, tenderness, increased drainage, foul odor, persistent fever above 100.4 degrees orally, and increasing pain.
Pneumonia
• Deep breathing exercises: A simple analogy to illustrate proper deep breathing is to, “smell the roses and blow out the candles.” In other words, inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth at a slow and controlled rate.
• Incentive Spirometer: This simple device gives you visual feedback while you perform your deep breathing exercises. Your nurse or respiratory therapist will demonstrate proper technique.
Knee Stiffness
• Strict adherence to the CPM protocol as prescribed by your surgeon |
Contents Courtesy of www.knee-replacement-info.com |