Knee Replacement In Frisco, TX: Preparing For Your Knee Replacement

If you are facing the prospect of knee replacement in Frisco, TX, know that you are not alone.  According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States.  But, just because they’re a relatively common procedure, that doesn’t mean they’re no big deal.  Aside from any of a multitude of surgical complications that can arise from a joint replacement procedure, knee replacement in Frisco, TX requires a fairly substantial recovery time that can include long-term physical therapy and pain management.
If your orthopedic surgeon has decided that knee replacement is the best option for you, there are many preparatory steps that you will have to take before the surgery happens.  These include:
➛ Medical Evaluation and Testing.  If you are older or you have certain health risk factors, your surgeon may ask you to undergo a physical examination to determine if you are healthy enough for the procedure and the recovery that follows.  If you have a chronic medical condition, like heart disease, you may have to be cleared for surgery by a cardiologist.  In addition, blood and urine tests and an electrocardiogram may be performed to check for any other health problems.

➛ Dental Evaluation.  Because of the risk of infection that comes with any invasive procedure, you may need to see your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy so that you won’t have to have any emergency dental procedures performed after your knee replacement.  When you see your dentist early enough, you can have any dental problems or procedures performed well before your scheduled knee replacement.

➛ Social Planning.  Though you’ll be able to walk with crutches or a walker soon after surgery, you will still need help with any tasks that require movement like shopping, cooking, cleaning and doing laundry.  If you live alone, arrange with a close friend or family member to come and stay with you, at least during the critical part of your recovery period.  If you don’t have someone who can stay with you, ask your surgeon to refer you to an extended-care facility for a short period of time or to help you find in-home assistance.

➛ Home Planning.  Before you head to the hospital or clinic for your knee replacement in Frisco, TX, make sure your home is ready for your return.  Have a comfortable, stable chair set up in your living room or bedroom that has two arms, a firm back and a footstool for elevating your leg whenever you need to.  Make sure this chair is in a central location on the lower level of your home to make it easier for you to reach the kitchen, bathroom, etc.  Make sure all paths leading from your chair to other areas of your home that you need to reach are clear of impediments and make sure that all loose rugs are removed from any path you might take.  Put safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath along with a sturdy shower seat.  If you have a low toilet, install a toilet seat riser with arms.
Deciding on knee replacement in Frisco, TX can be difficult.  To get help and to find out more about the procedure, call us at Texas Orthopedic Partners at (469) 293-4000.  You can also visit us online at www.texasorthopartners.com to find out more about knee replacement and how we can help you.