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6 Do’s and Don’ts After Knee Surgery

After knee surgery, there is no doubt you will encounter challenges and pain on the path to recovery. While it will seem difficult, and maybe even impossible at times, try to remember that what happens after your surgery is just as essential to the overall success of the procedure as the surgery itself.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you along the road to recovery:

What are the possible causes of neck pain?

in Neck Pain

By Shannon Johnson | Article Featured on Medical News Today

Many people experience neck pain or stiffness from injury, overuse, or inflammation. There are many treatment options available for neck pain, depending on what is causing it.

Adult Spondylolisthesis in the Low Back

in Back Pain

Article Featured on AAOS

In spondylolisthesis, one of the bones in your spine — called a vertebra — slips forward and out of place. This may occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). In some people, this causes no symptoms at all. Others may have back and leg pain that ranges from mild to severe.

Meniscal Transplant Surgery

in Knee Surgery

The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion of cartilage in the knee joint. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to torn meniscus. If a meniscus is so badly damaged it cannot be repaired, it may need to be removed or trimmed out. Without the meniscus cushion, persistent knee pain and arthritis can develop.

How to tell if you have a Herniated Disk

in Back Pain, Disk Injuries, Herniated Disk, Neck Pain

Article Featured on AAOS

A common source of back or neck pain is a herniated disk. Sometimes called a “slipped” or “ruptured” disk, this condition most often occurs in the lower back, as well as the smaller disks in the neck.

Although a herniated disk can sometimes be very painful, most people feel much better with just a few months of simple, nonsurgical treatments.

Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures

in Back Pain, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis

Article Featured on AAOS

As we get older, our bones thin and our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks.

Fractures caused by osteoporosis most often occur in the spine. These spinal fractures — called vertebral compression fractures — occur in nearly 700,000 patients each year. They are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as broken hips and wrists.

Activities After Knee Replacement

in Knee Surgery, Recovery

Article Featured on AAOS

After having a knee replacement, you may expect your lifestyle to be a lot like it was before surgery— but without the pain. In many ways, you are right, but returning to your everyday activities takes time. Being an active participant in the healing process can help you get there sooner and ensure a more successful outcome.

Even though you will be able to resume most activities, you may want to avoid doing things that place excessive stress on your “new” knee, such as participating in high-impact sports like jogging. The suggestions here will help you enjoy your new knee while you safely resume your daily activities.

Bone Grafts in Spine Surgery

in Back Pain, Spinal Surgery

Article Featured on AAOS

Spinal fusion is one of the most common surgeries done in the neck or back. The basic idea is to fuse together painful bones in the spine so that they heal into a single, solid bone. In order for bones to fuse or heal together, additional bone is needed. This additional bone is called a bone graft.

There are many bone graft options today. They are often combined together. The graft that is best for your problem will depend upon which section of your spine needs to be fused, your age, and your general health.

Anesthesia for Hip and Knee Surgery

in Anesthesia

Article Featured on AAOS

Before your joint replacement surgery, your doctor will discuss anesthesia with you. The selection of anesthesia is a major decision that could have a significant impact on your recovery. It deserves careful consideration and discussion with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist.

Care of Casts and Splints

in Arm Injuries, Recovery

Article Featured on AAOS

Casts and splints support and protect injured bones and soft tissue. When you break a bone, your doctor will put the pieces back together in the right position. Casts and splints hold the bones in place while they heal. They also reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm.