[General Questions] [Shoulder Questions] [Knee Questions]
1. Would I need to stay overnight in the hospital, if I had surgery?
Not Necessarily, it depends on the type of surgery. Most patients that undergo Arthroscopy of the knee or shoulder go home the same day. Unless, they had another illness which might cause them to stay.
2. Do I take my regular medicine the day of surgery?
It depends on the medication. We will discuss this with you on an individual basis. If you are taking blood thinning medications like aspirin please inform the physician. Some older patients might need to be medically cleared for surgery by their primary physician.
3. If I have pain in my knee, what can be done?
If you have pain in your knee, the physician would perform a physical examination and take X-rays of the knee to make a diagnosis. Then the physician would discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you.
4. What is Arthroscopic surgery and how long would it take to recover?
Arthroscopic surgery is very common. It is a modern way of performing surgery inside a joint through 2-3 small incisions, about a quarter of an inch long. A long thin scope with a video camera attached at the end is inserted into the joint and the surgery is performed using an assortment of specialized instruments. The patient usually goes home the same day.
5. Will I need a blood transfusion after a total joint replacement?
There is often a need for blood transfusions after a total joint replacement. We frequently have patients store some of their own blood prior to surgery for use with their surgery. Blood transfusions are only given if necessary, based upon patient's lab results.
1. What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles, whose tendons insert into the humeral head. These muscles and their tendons enable you to lift your arm and to move the arm away from your body. A rotator cuff tear, refers to tissue torn in the tendon portion of the muscle.
2. What are the possible complications of total joint replacement surgery?
As with any major surgery there is always a possibility stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or pneumonia. The major complication more specific to orthopedic surgery are wound infections. The use of antibiotic therapy and new technology greatly reduces these risks.
3. What would be the recommended treatment for my shoulder that keeps dislocating?
Arthroscopy of the shoulder may repair dislocations of the shoulder. It is highly recommended for people who have dislocated once or twice. Someone who dislocates frequently may need an open surgical repair.
4. Is there anything I can do to help expedite my recovery following shoulder surgery?
Check with your doctor for any activity restrictions before surgery. Follow your surgeon's orders after surgery. Continue with your physical therapy as ordered, failure to do so may lead to an extended recovery period.
1. For the past 2 months, I have had pain and swelling in the inner aspect of my knee following a twist and fall accident. What could this be?
A traumatic twisting action of the knee can produce several serious problems. The most common serious injury is a torn meniscus. A torn meniscus will not heal on it's own and you may require Arthroscopic surgery to repair it. After a physical examination by the doctor an X-ray and possibly an MRI, the doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you.
2. How painful is Arthroscopic surgery?
The pain after arthroscopic surgery is dependent upon the severity of your condition and how much surgery is done inside the joint. Overall, the pain is tolerable due the small incisions in the skin. Patients usually go home the same day.
3. I am 67 years old and have been treated for arthritis in my knees with medication for years. The medicine doesn't seem to be working anymore. Is there something else that might help?
Depending on the severity of your arthritis, you may need a Total Knee Replacement. Any total joint replacement is considered major surgery. A total knee replacement involves removing the cartilage and resurfacing both the upper (femur) and lower (tibia) bones. Then the knee prosthesis, which is made up of specialized plastic and metal is put into place. This permits pain-free movement of the knee.
4. What is the recuperation time after a total knee replacement?
Normally, patients are admitted to the hospital the same day of surgery. They have their surgery and then stay 3-5 days in the hospital. After the hospital stay, patients routinely go to a rehabilitation unit for physical therapy. Patients are home in 1-2 wks from the day of surgery and can resume their usual activities within 6-8 wks.
Please be advised that the medical information contained herein is for informational purposes only. The Shoulder & Knee Center of South Florida in no way assumes any liability for consequences resulting from the medical information contained on this web site.