Posted June 24, 2013
"Previously, knee replacement surgeries were reserved for very old patients who were severely crippled by osteoarthritis. 'Now patients in their 40s and 50s are experiencing an earlier onset of osteoarthritis that affects their daily lives,' says J. David Blaha, M.D. . . In fact, the number of boomers opting for early knee replacement is growing at a dramatic rate," -- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
When otherwise healthy men and women opt for knee replacement surgery, their recovery options are wider that are those for more elderly, and more medically fragile patients. Whereas medically fragile individuals may require an extended stay in a rehabilitation or assisted living facility after surgery, some healthier patients may be able to manage their recovery at home.
Recovery from knee replacement surgery can be a lengthy process, even for younger, healthier patients. Though recovery periods have shortened with newer surgical techniques and partial replacement options, most patients should count on at least a 3-day hospital stay for total knee replacements, a week or more of considerable discomfort and mobility limitations, and 2 or more months of physical therapy.
After release from the hospital, total knee replacement patients will require more help than usual. There are steps you can take, however, that can make the process a bit easier, and may even enable you to recover at home, rather than transfer to a rehabilitation facility after surgery.
A chair lift or other assistive device, for example, can help knee replacement surgery patients with one of their most difficult tasks: moving from a seated to a standing position. Though there are straps and belts which a caregiver can use to assist a patient by pulling him or her into a standing position, a chair lift is often much more convenient and does not require the help of a relatively strong caregiver.
In addition, a chair lift can be a good investment in the long term, particularly for younger knee replacement patients. Unfortunately, knee replacement surgeries must often be repeated in five to ten years in younger patients. With a chair lift already in place, should you require another surgery down the road, you will be ready.
Be sure to contact us to explore your options for assistive devices for knee replacement patients.
