How to avoid infection after knee replacement?

Planning for the knee surgery? Here are some related information by the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Kharar Mohali which can be beneficial before you go for surgery. 

Total knee replacement surgery is one of the most rewarding surgery. With advancement of technique and implants, risk of complications is very low. However, infection after knee replacement occur sometimes. 

Symptoms

 Mild pain and swelling is normal for few months after surgery. But if you are falling short of your goals in the recovery period, you may have an underline joint infection. Signs of infection to watch out for are severe pain and swelling, redness and warmness around the knee, fever with chills, smelly discharge around the knee.

Prevention

 Joint infections are difficult to treat and so we must take adequate steps to prevent it.

Before surgery

Dental checkup: our mouth is a source of many bacteria which may go into the blood and to the knee joint. Any tooth decay or cavities must be Treated before surgery.

Proper hygiene: Proper hygiene and regular showering must be done to prevent any source of bacteria in the body.

Mouthwash: Gargling for twice a day can decrease the bacteria in your mouth.

Skin scratches or abrasions: Let any scratches for abrasions over the skin to heal before going for knee replacement surgery.

Choose your surgeon wisely: Chances of infection increases with increase in the time for which the wound is opened during surgery. Make sure your surgeon performs many knee replacements in a week and is expert in joint replacement surgeries.

After Surgery

Limit visits by your relatives  and friends during hospitalization and even after discharge. Limit the number of persons meeting the patients they are potential source of infection for the patient.

Wound care: any redness, bleeding or excessive swelling must be reported to your doctor.

Discharge advice: take all the medicines and follow the activity schedule given by the physiotherapist during discharge.

Other sources of infection: any other source of infection in your body must be promptly treated to prevent infection from spreading to the knee joint.

If you are also looking forward to get your knee surgery done by the Best Ortho Doctor in Kharar Mohali we at Medstar Healthcare can help you with that. Dr. Ankur Dogra (Senior Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy Surgeon) will be there to treat you with the best care. For more information you an reach us at 084271 02508.