Preparing for Knee Surgery

Preparing for Knee Surgery Introduction

Cindy is introducing the Pre/Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery video series. This series is to help you prepare ahead of time for your return home after surgery. Remember, ...this series is to be used as an additional resource, not a replacement for the instruction given to your by your Physical or Occupational Therapist or your Surgeon. Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner wishes you a Speedy recovery from your surgery!!!

Download Pre/Post Knee Surgery Exercises here:
https://www.adaptiveequipmentcorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pre_Post-Knee-Surgery-Exercises.pdf

Preparing for Knee Surgery Introduction

Cindy is introducing the Pre/Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery video [...]

Going Up & Down Stairs after Hip or Knee Surgery

Cindy is demonstrating the basic process of going up and down the [...]

Cindy is demonstrating the basic process of going up and down the stairs after surgery using a walker and a cane. It is important that you consult with your ...physical therapist on your individual situation regarding how you will enter your house on your return home after surgery. The basic principle of leading up with the "good" leg first and down with the "bad"/surgical leg first applies in each situation. Whether or not you can use a cane to assist on the stairs in place of the walker will depend on your weight bearing status and will need to be discussed with your physical therapist prior to returning home. We always recommend having a caregiver who is able to assist you in entering the home on your return from surgery.

Using a Walker on the Stairs

The walker is placed sideways on the stairs, opposite a handrail if present. If there is no handrail for assistance, the walker goes on the side opposite of the surgical leg. We always recommend having the assistance of another person when at all possible. Walker wheels can be placed on the inside of the walker to assist with placement of all four legs on the steps depending on step width. Apply a gait belt for safety.

Instructions for going up the stairs with a walker

1. Turn the walker sideways
2. Place the front walker legs on the first step above you, the walker will now sit at an angle upward on the steps
3. Place hand on the front handle of the walker, apply pressure to check for stability
4. Push down on the front handle of the walker and handrail to support the surgical leg as you step up with the strong leg
5. Then step up with the surgical leg
6. Next, bring the walker up to the next step with the front legs resting on the step above you

**Due to varying step width, both sets of walker legs may not fully rest on both steps. Make sure to always apply pressure through the weight bearing handle (front when going up the stairs) of the walker to check for stability before stepping up to the next step.

Instructions for going down the stairs with a walker

1. Turn the walker sideways
2. Place the back walker legs on the step beside you
3. Place hand on the back handle of the walker, apply pressure to check for stability
4. Push down on the back walker handle and handrail, shift weight onto strong leg and step down with the surgical leg
5. Then step down with the strong leg
6. Move the walker down to so that the back legs again rest on the step beside you

**Due to varying step width, both sets of walker legs may not fully rest on both steps. Make sure to always apply pressure through the weight bearing handle (back when going down the stairs) of the walker to check for stability before stepping down to the next step.

Using a Cane on the Stairs

Place the cane in the opposite hand of the rail or other hand hold **If there is no rail or other hand hold, the cane goes on the opposite side of the surgical leg.

Always lead up with the good/strong leg first and down with the surgical leg first.

Instructions for going up the stairs with a cane

1. Leave the cane down on the floor or step you are leaving with the surgical leg (some individuals prefer to place the cane on the step they are going up to prior to stepping up with the good leg)
2. Put weight through your hand on the rail and on the cane in order to support the surgical leg
3. Step up with the good leg, followed by the cane and the surgical leg
Instructions for going down the stairs with a cane

Place the cane in the opposite hand of the rail, or other hand hold **If there is not a rail or other hand hold, the cane will go on the opposite side of the surgical leg

1. Place the cane down on the step below you
2. Put weight through your hand on the rail and on the cane in order to support the surgical leg
3. Step down with the surgical leg, then step down with the good leg
Instructions for going up a platform step

Option 1:
1. Walk up to the step with the walker getting as close as safely possible
2. Place the walker up on the platform step
3. Put weight through your hands on the walker
4. Step up onto the step with you good leg, followed by the surgical leg

Option 2:
1. Walk up to the step with the walker getting as close as safely possible before turning around backwards to the step
2. Put weight through your hands on the walker
3. Step up onto the step with your good leg, followed by your surgical leg
4. Bring the walker up onto the step

Instructions for going down a platform step

1. Walk up to the step with the walker getting as close as safely possible
2. Place the walker down on the platform step/floor below
3. Put weight through your hands on the walker
4. Step down with your surgical leg, followed by your good leg

Getting In and Out of the Car After Hip or Knee Surgery

Cindy is demonstrating how to get in/out of the car after a total knee [...]

Introduction to Bed Transfer Aids after Hip or Knee Surgery

Cindy is discussing several adaptive equipment options for use in the [...]

Cindy is discussing several adaptive equipment options for use in the bedroom after hip or knee surgery. Please take note of the height of your bed. This can ...often be an area of concern if you are not able to touch the floor with your non surgical leg while sitting safely on the edge of the bed. Having to slide off the edge of the bed before one foot touches the floor poses a fall risk. When getting into the bed, if your arms are not strong enough to assist in scooting your buttock safely back onto the bed before laying down can increase fall risk as well. Often times, individuals may have difficulty sitting up or laying down from the side of the bed, needing an additional hand hold to assist. If an individual needs assistance with their legs in/out of the bed, they may be able to be instructed to assist themself with a piece of adaptive equipment. Several equipment options to improve safety and function being reviewed include: step stool, bed rail and leg lifter.

For a demonstration of how to use each piece of equipment make sure to watch: Getting in/out of a Bed After Hip or Knee Surgery

BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper https://amzn.to/335xSn1 (affiliate link)

Aerobic platform 31”L x 11.5”W x 4”H
Includes 2 sets of risers
Height from 4” to 6” to 8"
see product link for further product details

Additional Step Stool Option: Step2Bed (see video link) https://youtu.be/MSkdHPJ3_es for demonstration

Use this affiliate link below for a 10% discount on your purchase!
Step2Bed: https://step2health.com/discount/aec10

Adjusts from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in height
Weight limit of 400#
Non slip stepping surface
Motion sensor light
We recommend available space for:
33in (L) x 19in (D)
see product link for more details

Medline Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket:
https://amzn.to/2XDih9B (affiliate link)

Dimensions 36”-44” H x 14” W x 28” D
Fits most twin, full and queen sized beds
Height adjustable legs
13 x 9 inch nylon pocket
see product link for further product details

Freedom Grip Plus Bed rail by MTS:
https://amzn.to/2IDqJl1 (affiliate link)

Height adjustable from 21.5” to 24.5” in one inch increments
250# weight limit
see product link for further product details

Vive PROFlex Strap (2-in-1 leg lifter/exercise strap) https://amzn.to/2zMcSFQ (affiliate link)
see product link for further details

Leg Lifter Strap by Vive:
https://amzn.to/2rnKlhR (affiliate link)
see product link for further product details

How to Use Bed Transfer Aids After Hip or Knee Surgery

Cindy is demonstrating how to get in/out of the bed post hip or knee [...]

How to Put on Socks After Surgery

In this video, Becca, OT with Adaptive Equipment Corner explains How [...]

In this video, Becca, OT with Adaptive Equipment Corner explains How to Put on Socks After Surgery Using a Sock Aid.

RMS Original Sock Aid: https://amzn.to/2IdzD87 (affiliate link)

Why would people use ...a sock aid after surgery?
Many times after having surgery on the lower part of the body people will have difficulty bending at the waist thereby making it difficult to get dressed. It is especially difficult to put on socks after having surgery on the hip or knee. A sock aid is used when a person has limitations with bending at the waist. Bending at the waist is a movement that is used when putting on socks.

How to put on socks after surgery
1. First place sock aid in your lap between your legs or up against your belly with the basin facing down toward your legs.
2. When sliding the sock on the sock aid make sure the heel of the sock is on the bottom of the sock aid.
3. Be sure to pull the sock up close to the top of the basin while leaving a large opening for your toes. Do not pull the sock up past the strings of the sock aid.
4. Drop the sock aid onto the floor while holding onto the strings. Remember, if the strings are too long wrap them around your hands to take up the slack.
5. While sliding your foot inside of the sock aid point your toes towards the tip of the sock aid.
6. Lastly, pull the strings up and towards your body.
If you need to reposition your sock for more comfort consider using a reacher or a dressing stick.

Use this affiliate link to purchase the sock aid featured in this video
RMS Original Sock Aid: https://amzn.to/2IdzD87 (affiliate link)

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