We’ve found that the patients who experience the best results following knee surgery are the ones who are the most involved throughout the entire process, and part of that involves educating yourself about the upcoming procedure and post-op plan. You can look online or read up on the procedure, but your best resource is going to be the surgeon who is performing your operation. Below, we share three questions that you should ask your knee surgeon to help better understand how you can make the best recovery following your partial knee replacement surgery.
1. What Can I Do Before Surgery To Help Myself After Surgery?
This is a great question to ask because not only does it showcase that you care about doing everything in your power to ensure your surgery is a success, but it will provide you with some real answers to reduce your risk of complications. Your doctor may advise you about weight loss, diet and hydration tips, how to manage your medications leading up to your procedure or a number of important factors. Once they explain how to prep yourself for surgery, follow their instructions.
2. What Are The Odds This Will Solve My Knee Pain?
If you are having partial knee replacement, odds are you’re dealing with arthritis in one compartment of your knee. Talk to your surgeon about how likely it is that arthritis will develop in another compartment, or how confident they are that this will be the only surgery you’ll need on this knee. Partial knee replacement is a wonderful option for the right candidate, but the majority of patients would be better off with a total knee replacement due to arthritis in multiple knee compartments. Talk with your surgeon about making sure that you are the right fit for this operation.
3. What Will My Rehab Look Like?
You’ll also want to touch base on what your rehabilitation and post-op recovery plan will look like. Dr. Botero uses an advanced technique that allows you to be weight bearing and mobile much sooner than the traditional operation, but there are still plenty of restrictions and care instructions you’ll need to follow. He’ll cover guidelines for walking, running, lifting and caring for the surgical site, but know that these timelines may be adjusted as you progress through your rehab. Regardless of specifics, having a general guideline in your head prior to surgery will help you manage expectations.
If you ask each of these questions at some point during the pre-surgical consultation process, we’re confident that you’ll be doing your part to ensure your surgery is a success. For more information, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Botero to talk about your knee, reach out to his clinic today.
