Rehabilitation
Two additional follow-up treatments are possible after the discharge from hospital:
- Out-patient physiotherapy about three times per week.
- Further postoperative treatment in a rehabilitation clinic, which should follow immediately after the stay in hospital. It should be allowed for in case of severe limitations or additional health disturbances. In principle, it is a continued hospital stay in a specialised clinic.
Question of cost
The national Health Insurance usually covers the cost of the ambulant physiotherapy. It also pays the covers, if stated in the insurance contract.
Important
Before going into the hospital, you should reach an agreement with your health insurance about who will meet the cost.
Follow-up examinations 6 weeks after the operation
Your attending physician should carry out the first follow-up examination and x-ray verification! Most of the time, the prophylaxis of thrombosis can be stopped at this point in time. Now is the time to start breaking the habit of using a stick. The physiotherapeutic (knee replacement) exercises will continue as necessary.
Late follow-ups
After prior consultation with you, regular follow-up examinations will be carried out after three months up to one, two five, and ten years after the operation. Progress controls with x-rays are important; because your new knee joint can experience a certain amount of wear despite the use of the best materials.
Attention
After the insertion of a total prosthesis, you should pay particular attention to the mobility of the knee joint as well as to the muscle strength. Should you observe any lossess in this respect, we recommend that you inform your doctor immediately.
After a certain rehabilitation phase, the artificial knee joint enables you to lead a normal life. We would like to stand by you with moral and practical support.
We hope that this information will make the imminent knee operation easier and hope your new knee joint will bring you freedom from pain and a fresh zest for life.
