Picture 1.<\/strong> The first 24 hours after prosthesis surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMonitoring Vital Signs:<\/strong> After you come out of surgery, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and any side effects from the anesthesia (such as vomiting) will be monitored first. Various medications are given. These medicines can include painkillers, blood thinners and antibiotics to prevent infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhysiotherapist Guided First Movement:<\/strong> A few hours after surgery, you can get out of bed with help. Your physiotherapist will accompany you and help you to walk with the help of an orthopedic device such as a walker. This improves your blood circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. So the rehabilitation process starts immediately after surgery. However, in some cases, patients may not be able to stand up immediately due to other conditions (such as blood pressure). Therefore, she can walk the day after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCase-specific Rehabilitation Plan:<\/strong> After the surgery, your physiotherapist will give you training on what to do in the hospital and at home. This training includes how to get in and out of bed, how to use orthopedic devices, how to climb stairs after knee replacement surgery and exercises you should do. Your physiotherapist will also provide guidance on how much load you should place on the operated area, the lying, sitting and bending positions after prosthesis surgery. Your accompanying person should also listen carefully to this training. You usually need to start exercises within 24 hours after surgery. Following the exercise plan will help you return to your normal activities faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCPM Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Your doctor may recommend using a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) device after hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery. The CPM device helps to gently bend and flatten the operated area. Thus, it is aimed to prevent postoperative complications such as edema and pain, and to increase range of motion and joint functionality. The CPM device also contributes to a faster discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within 24 hours after surgery (usually before discharge), use of the CPM device can be started. The CPM device can be applied up to 8 hours a day, excluding sleep and physical therapy. In some cases, it may be necessary to use it at home after discharge. On average, it is continued for 2 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicture 2.<\/strong> CPM device.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDVT Treatment Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The DVT treatment device is a special device designed to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a blood clot in deep veins. This device is recommended for patients who have undergone major surgery, have been in intensive care for a long time or may be immobilized at home.<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in veins deep inside the body. In most cases, this clot appears in one of the veins in the lower leg. The veins in the legs have small valves that help the blood to move towards the heart. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) can damage these valves. In more advanced stages, it can reach the lung and cause pulmonary embolism (lung clot).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DVT treatment device has cuffs that wrap around the legs. These cuffs fill with air and squeeze the legs. This increases blood flow and eliminates the risk of blood clots. The DVT treatment device can be started immediately after surgery and used for 1 week.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicture 3.<\/strong> DVT device<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHospital Discharge Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Your hospital stay may vary from 1 to 4 days, depending on the speed of your recovery. However, if you are discharged before reaching a certain stage, it may have a negative impact on your recovery. Therefore, you are expected to meet the following criteria for discharge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting in and out of bed on your own<\/li> Reducing your pain to acceptable levels<\/li> Being able to eat and drink fluids<\/li> Using the toilet after prosthesis surgery<\/li> Walking short distances with the help of an orthopedic device (such as a walker, cane or crutches)<\/li> Climbing up and down two to three flights of stairs after surgery<\/li> To be able to do the exercises given for the home<\/li> To understand the necessary precautions to prevent accidents such as falls<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf you are not yet able to do the above skills, it may not be safe for you to be discharged. This may prolong your hospital stay. Getting the support and care you need for your recovery can lead to a more effective recovery in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicture 4.<\/strong> Discharge after prosthesis surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFirst 2 weeks at home after surgery<\/ins><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first 2 weeks at home after surgery is one of the most important stages. At this stage, it is necessary to pay attention to issues such as care of the surgical wound, personal care, exercise and avoid activities that pose a risk of falling. Apart from these, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid conditions such as infection and blood clots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On average, your stitches are removed 14 days after surgery. This period may be longer depending on your situation. Until your stitches are removed, you should pay attention to a number of issues regarding wound care. If you are not careful, there is a risk of infection. <\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\nSince you will not be able to shower during this period, you should take a sponge bath to keep your body and the area around the wound clean. However, you must not get any liquid on your stitches and wound area. You should renew your dressing and change the bandage as recommended by your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After your stitches are removed, you can take a bath or shower and start walking without an orthopedic device. The first days after surgery can be a bit challenging. However, as the day goes on, you will start to move more freely and do your daily chores more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wound Care After Prosthesis Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Proper and attentive care of your surgical wound during your recovery at home is important to prevent infection. You should follow these general recommendations for the correct care of your surgical wound:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep the wound area clean and dry.<\/li> After the first dressing is removed, you can shower with a waterproof dressing.<\/ins><\/li>Dressing and bandaging of the surgical wound is first applied in the operating room. On average, the dressing needs to be renewed and the bandage changed every 3-4 days.<\/li> In some cases (such as discharge) it may be necessary to apply dressings and change the bandage every day. For this procedure, you can go to a full range of health centers. It can also be done at home if the necessary hygienic conditions are met.<\/li> Surgical sutures are removed in the clinic. In some cases, the stitches do not need to be removed because they are placed under the skin.<\/li> Do not immerse the wound in water until 6 weeks after surgery. So do not enter the water in environments such as bathtubs, pools and the sea.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf you have symptoms such as redness, warmth, discharge, swelling, severe pain that does not go away despite painkillers or odor in the area of your surgical wound, you may have an infection. Always consult your doctor in such cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicture 5.<\/strong> Wound care after prosthesis surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNormal Postoperative Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Pain, swelling and bruising after knee or hip replacement surgery are part of the healing process. Patients will notice that these symptoms improve rapidly within the first weeks. Nevertheless, there are things patients can do to manage pain, swelling and bruising. What to do in case of symptoms will be discussed in the following chapters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Normal symptoms that can be seen after surgery are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There may be pain for a few weeks after surgery.<\/li> Swelling after surgery usually lasts 2-3 weeks. But it can also last between 3 and 6 months.<\/li> Bruising may last 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.<\/li> After the operation, you may hear a noise in your knees or hips. This is usually not caused by a problem and decreases over time. However, if it is accompanied by pain, swelling or joint deformity, you should consult your doctor.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nPostoperative Pain Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n One of the goals of knee and hip replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain. However, in the days following surgery, patients may experience more severe pain than before surgery. Severe pain after prosthesis surgery is normal and usually temporary. Nevertheless, appropriate interventions should be made. If these interventions are not carried out, the healing and rehabilitation process may be hampered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many ways to manage pain. Your doctor will advise you on the most appropriate pain control methods for your situation. The following methods can be used to relieve postoperative pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medication:<\/strong> You can control your pain with medicines recommended by your doctor. Opioid painkillers are very effective. However, it can be used when pain is at its most intense. It is necessary to switch to non-opioid painkillers as soon as possible because they have side effects.<\/li>Ice Application:<\/strong> Applying cold to the painful area numbs the nerve endings, reduces swelling, inflammation and pain.<\/li>Activity:<\/strong> Spending too much time lying down or sitting in one position can cause pain, muscle cramps and fatigue. Being physically active shortens your recovery time and reduces your risk of blood clots.<\/li>Rest:<\/strong> Being active and mobile is important for your recovery. However, you should not engage in more activity than your body can tolerate. It is very important to rest after an appropriate amount of movement.<\/li>Aromatherapy:<\/strong> Aromatherapy uses essential oils to stimulate your body’s natural ability to relax and heal. Research has shown that the use of aromatherapy can help reduce pain, anxiety, nausea and insomnia (imsomnia).<\/li>Massage:<\/strong> Massage helps to reduce muscle tension, stress and pain. It can only be done after the stitches are removed.<\/li>Efloraj (Gentle Massage):<\/strong> Efloraj is a type of massage that involves little or no pressure. In this massage, you use gentle strokes on your skin to relax your muscles and increase blood flow. You can also do gentle massage after the stitches have been removed.<\/li>Shower:<\/strong> You should not expose the injured area to any liquid until your stitches are removed. However, taking a hot shower after your stitches are removed can reduce your pain, relax your muscles and help you relax.<\/li>Breathing Techniques:<\/strong> You can reduce your pain with breathing techniques that help you relax. Because when you practice certain breathing techniques, your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure decreases and the blood flow to your muscles increases.<\/li>Environment Changes:<\/strong> Simple changes such as dimming the lights, lowering the curtains, turning off the TV and adjusting the temperature of your room can help you rest better.<\/li>Changing position while lying down:<\/strong> If you often rest in bed, change position at least every 2 hours. Having your hips, back and head in proper alignment is a good way to relieve muscle strains and back pain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nPicture 6.<\/strong> Pain control after knee and hip replacement surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPostoperative Swelling Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Swelling in the leg after prosthesis surgery is a normal condition that can be seen during the healing process. So it should not be a cause for concern. For 6 months after surgery, swelling may continue to decrease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The methods you can apply to reduce swelling are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercises:<\/strong> You can reduce your swelling by practicing the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist.<\/li>Keeping your leg elevated: <\/strong> Keeping your leg elevated as recommended by your doctor can help reduce swelling.<\/li>Ice Application:<\/strong> Ice application or cold compresses are a very effective method to reduce swelling and inflammation in the operated area.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf you develop a new and severe swelling while you are recovering, be sure to tell your doctor. Because this can be a sign of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bruising Management After Prosthetic Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Bruising in the knee or hip area may persist for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Bruising is a discoloration caused by the accumulation of blood under the skin. Your doctor will prescribe blood thinners to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis after surgery. This can increase bruising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bruising is a normal part of the healing process and will reduce over time. Keeping the legs elevated can reduce inflammation and bruising. Always consult your doctor if your bruising develops unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPicture 7.<\/strong> Bruising after prosthetic surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nProblems that can be seen after surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Knee and hip replacement surgeries performed with today’s technology are safe. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of complications in these procedures. Whether there will be complications depends on factors such as your general health, your age and whether you follow your doctor’s recommendations. Throughout your treatment, your doctor will inform you about the risks of complications and guide you to take precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blood Clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n There is a possibility of developing a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis after surgery. While this may seem harmless, if it reaches the lungs or brain it can have serious consequences. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis usually appear two weeks after surgery. These symptoms usually appear in a specific area of the leg and are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n