| |
Discharge equipment: Items you may need after knee replacement surgery
To ensure a safe recovery after your knee replacement surgery, you may need
to use some special equipment. You must use a walking aid (walker, crutches
or a cane) after your total knee surgery. Any other items are optional based
on your needs.
Insurance will only cover the purchase of a walker, pair of crutches or a cane.
You must purchase any other equipment needed.
|
A walker will help you walk after surgery. |
Crutches will help you walk after surgery. |
A hand-held shower head allows you to control the spray
of water while sitting. |
A long-handled sponge can be used to wash your feet
when you can't bend and to wash your back so you avoid twisting. |
|
A raised toilet seat will make it easier for you to
get on and off the toilet. |
Installing grab bars around your toilet, bathtub or
shower will increase your safety during transfers. |
Elastic laces let you slip in and out of your shoes
easily while keeping them tied. The long-handled shoe horn helps
you guide your foot into an already-tied or slip-on shoe. |
A reacher helps you get things from high and lower levels.
It can also helo you put clothes on the lower part of your body. Start
dressing your surgical leg first and undress it last for increased ease. |
|
A sock aid helps you put on socks without bending. |
Tongs can be used in place of a reacher. Or they can
help you with your hygiene care after you use the toilet. |
A tub chair lets you sit while taking a shower or bath. |
A tub transfer bench can help you get in or out of the
shower/bathtub. You can also use it to sit while taking a shower or bath. |
|
| |
Discharge planning: Make plans for leaving the hospital after knee replacement surgery Community resource directory Total knee replacement
Source: Allina Patient Education, Total Knee Replacement, third edition, ortho-ahc-90140
First published: 10/01/2000
Last updated: 12/01/2006
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts
|
|