6 Steps to Prepare Yourself for a Knee Replacement Surgery
The sooner surgery is performed following an injury or degenerative problem, the more quickly and safely a patient can recover. A successful surgery requires a strong commitment on the part of the patient to work with their surgeon and physical therapist during their recovery. We describe the different ways patients can prepare for knee replacement surgery . Step 1: Making the Proper Knee Incision In traditional knee replacement surgery, an incision is made on the front of the knee to allow access to the kneecap so it can be removed and replaced. For minimally invasive knee surgery, the incision is smaller than for traditional surgery. The advantages of a smaller scar are offset by the practicality and comfort of a larger area. Discuss your options with your doctor. Step 2: Rotating the Kneecap The patella is the bone at the front of your knee. The surgeon will move the patella outside the knee area so that you will not be able to bend or rotate your knee. This allows him to work bette...