When assessing your surgical fitness for knee replacement surgery, your healthcare team will evaluate several factors to ensure that you are prepared for the procedure and have the best chance of a successful outcome. Here's what you can expect during the assessment:
Medical History: Please ask your GP or physician to put together a detailed medical history , asking questions about any existing health conditions, previous surgeries, and medications you are currently taking. This information is very important to us to understand your overall health and identify any potential risks.
Physical Examination: You will undergo a physical examination of your knee joint. We will check your joint stability, range of motion, and muscle strength. This examination helps me understand the extent of the damage, your symptoms and how it may impact the surgery.
Imaging Studies: X-rays (AP, lateral, patella sunrise views, mechanical alignment views of the knee) or other imaging techniques (CT or MRI) will be used to get a closer look at your knee joint. These images help us assess the severity of arthritis, any deformities, or other abnormalities that may affect the surgical approach.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests will be conducted to evaluate your overall health. These tests may include a full blood count, coagulation profile, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and a metabolic panel. The results help identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect the surgery or your recovery.
Cardiac Evaluation: Depending on your age, medical history, and risk factors for heart disease, a cardiac evaluation may be recommended. This may involve an electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, or a consultation with a cardiologist. This evaluation helps assess your heart function and identify any cardiovascular risks during surgery.
Pulmonary Evaluation: If you have a history of respiratory conditions or smoking, a pulmonary evaluation may be necessary. This evaluation helps assess your lung function and identify any potential breathing difficulties during and after surgery.
Anaesthesia Consultation: Before surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist who will evaluate your overall health and discuss the most appropriate anesthesia technique for you. They will also help manage your pain during and after the surgery.
Nutritional Assessment: Your nutritional status will be assessed to ensure you are adequately nourished. Good nutrition is crucial for optimal healing and recovery, so the assessment helps identify any specific dietary needs or concerns. Here we often measure your Albumin during lab testing.
Remember, the purpose of the assessment is to make sure you are physically prepared for the surgery and to minimize any potential risks. It's essential to be open and honest wwill help them create the best plan for your surgery and optimize your chances of a smooth recovery.
Remember, the purpose of the assessment is to make sure you are physically prepared for the surgery and to minimize any potential risks. It's essential to be open and honest which will help us to create the best plan for your surgery and optimize your chances of a smooth recovery.
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