Robotic Knee REPLACEMENT Procedure

Preparation for surgery  NAVIO™ robotics-assisted total knee replacement 

• Initial surgical consultation: 

Preoperative x-rays, complete past medical history, complete past surgical history, 

complete list of all medications and allergies (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin supplements). 

• Complete physical examination: Your internist or family physician may determine if you are in the best possible condition to undergo surgery. 

• Blood donation: A transfusion may be necessary after surgery, therefore you may wish to donate blood prior to surgery.

 • Physical therapy: Instruction in an exercise program to begin prior to surgery and an overview of the rehabilitation process after surgery will better prepare you for post-operative care.

 • Preparation for the hospital: You may want to bring the following items: - Clothing: underwear, socks, t-shirts, exercise shorts for rehabilitation - Footwear: walking or tennis shoes for rehab; slippers for hospital room - Walking Aids: walker, cane, wheelchair or crutches if used prior to surgery -

 Insurance Information 

• Evening before ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT surgery:

 - Follow your surgeon’s instructions for preparation the evening before surgery. 

- You may be advised not eat or drink after midnight. 

- Shower (with five minute scrub to surgical area with special soap provided). 

- Prepare your belongings and review total knee booklet. 

• Preparation for after ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT surgery:

 - Move items and furniture in your home so they are easier to access while your mobility is limited. 

- Remove clutter and obstacles that could be tripping hazards 

- Have a plan; preparing meals ahead of time and arranging visitors to help with everyday chores will make your recovery smoother. 

Postoperative Immediately after ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT surgery 

you will be monitored as you awake from anesthesia. Once awake, you will be taken to your hospital room. Plan to stay in the hospital for several days. In addition to the incision along your knee there will be two small incisions on both your thigh and lower leg where the tracker pins were placed. Expect to feel some pain. This is a natural part of the healing process. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain. 

Most patients begin exercising their knee the day after surgery, although each patient’s postoperative care will vary. A physical therapist will prescribe exercises to help restore knee strength and function, and increase range of motion in your knee. It is common to experience swelling, stiffness and tightness at this time. 

Rehabilitation following surgery 

The success of your surgery will largely depend on how well you follow your surgeon’s instructions the first few weeks following surgery. How quickly you recover depends on factors such as knee pain, flexibility, strength and balance.

 Follow up visits will likely be scheduled to check up on your condition and progress as you recover. In order for you to meet the goals of knee replacement surgery, you must take ownership of the rehab process and work diligently on your own as well as with your physical therapist. 

The rehabilitation process can be quite painful at times. However, if you commit to following your program and overcome the challenges in rehab, you will succeed in meeting the goals you set when deciding on surgery.