What Happens After Surgery
For patients of Dr. Vernace and Main Line Orthopaedics, details of your hospital course are described in your preoperative information packet. You will receive this information packet during your office visits prior to surgery.
Day of Surgery
Your knee will be placed in a special machine in the recovery room (a CPM machine) that will start moving your knee immediately. In your room, when you are recovered from anesthesia, the orthopaedic nursing staff evaluates you. If you are feeling well enough and the orthopaedic nurses believe you are stable, you will be allowed to sit up and even take a few steps that afternoon.
Postoperative Day 1:
You will be out of bed the morning after surgery and go to the gym on the orthopaedic floor that afternoon. Your physical therapy session in the gym consists of walking and motion exercises.
Postoperative Day 2:
You should be walking in the hallway with a walker or crutches on this day. You will receive two therapy sessions. If you have progressed as well as most patients with Custom Fit Total Knee surgery, you may be discharged on this day. Most patients are well enough to go home at this time, as long as they have proper support and help.
Postoperative Day 3:
If you have not been discharged on postoperative day 2, you will most likely be discharged this day.
Inpatient Rehabilitation:
If you require further inpatient rehabilitation, the case managers at Bryn Mawr Hospital will discuss this with you and make arrangements for a transfer to another inpatient setting.
Outpatient Rehabilitation:
Once you are home, we want you to start outpatient physical therapy as soon as possible, as it is much more beneficial than home therapy. For patients who live close enough to Main Line Orthopaedics’ office, we strongly recommend our therapy center, Founders’ Physical Therapy.
Founders' Physical Therapy
Founders’ Physical Therapy is staffed by therapists and therapy assistants who have been chosen for their experience, expertise and the warm, friendly manor in which they conduct their therapy sessions. They have over 50 years of combined experienced and have been recognized by many patients as superb providers of physical therapy.
Founders’ Physical Therapy patients receive meticulous attention and individualized therapy, tailored to your needs. Main Line Orthopaedics’ surgeons work closely with your physical therapy team throughout your recovery. If you are having any difficulties, you will be right next door where you and your therapists have easy access to your surgeon to promptly address any concerns. Founders’ full service facilities are designed to ensure your personal comfort and meet your medical needs. Facilities include bathroom and shower, plasma screen televisions and private treatment rooms which are used as needed by the therapists.
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