Knee Replacement Surgery Resources for Patients and Caregivers
Are you, or is someone you support, having knee replacement surgery? We have information that can help you get better, faster after your procedure.
Enhanced Recovery Canada™ (ERC) resources for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery explain how to prepare for surgery and what you can do to feel better and safer, in the hospital and at home. These resources include instructions on things like eating and drinking, physical activity and controlling your pain and nausea.
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is sometimes referred to as knee arthroplasty and is a form of orthopaedic surgery.
When the knee joint is worn out or damaged, two types of surgery are possible. A total knee replacement means replacing the internal and external joint surfaces of the knee. The surface of the ball joint is also replaced, depending on how worn out it is. In a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the worn surfaces from one part of the knee (internal or external) are replaced.
Your surgeon will let you know if you are a good candidate for outpatient knee replacement surgery. If you are an outpatient, the surgery and hospital stay will last less than 24 hours.
How can you heal safer and faster after knee replacement surgery?
Our patient booklet and animated resource are designed to help you navigate the surgical journey, including after you’re discharged. They offer evidence-informed approaches that can reduce complications after surgery and the length of time you stay in the hospital. They can also make your experience in the health system better, helping you work as a team with your healthcare providers.
