Orthopaedic Services

A total knee replacement is really a bone and cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. The knee itself is not replaced, as is commonly thought, but rather an implant is inserted on the bone ends. This is done with a metal alloy on the femur and plastic spacer on the tibia and patella (kneecap). This creates a new, smooth cushion and a functioning joint that can reduce or eliminate pain.

All implants have a limited life expectancy and the longevity will vary with each patient depending on their age, weight, activity level and medical condition(s).

Yes, for about four to six weeks we recommend that you use a walker, a cane or crutches. The Joint Care Manager or discharge planner can arrange for them if necessary.

Your doctor will give you a Patient Guidebook that will help you prepare for your surgery and explain how to care for your new joint after you leave the hospital. You should select a “coach” (a family member or friend) who will assist you through the process. 

Yes, you should consult your surgeon and physical therapist about the exercises appropriate for you.

Your doctor and the pre-admission nursing team will give you this information prior to your surgery or you can call the nurse's station at 404-501-2200 to confirm the time of the procedure.

Come to Emory Decatur Hospital located at 2701 North Decatur Road in Decatur, Georgia 30033 and park at the Surgery Center lot. Enter the Surgery Center and go to the first floor Surgical Admissions Center. You will sign in at this desk and your family can wait for you in this area while you undergo surgery.

Remember to bring your patient guide book, a copy of your advance directives, your insurance card, and a driver’s license or photo identification. You can wear your own clothes at the JSC, so bring comfortable shorts, tops, culottes, a pair of well-fitted slippers, flat or tennis shoes. You can also bring a toothbrush, powder, deodorant, razor or other personal hygiene items. DO NOT bring: jewelry or valuables, electrical items, or large amounts of cash.

Most hip patients will be hospitalized for one to two days after surgery.

You will have discomfort following the surgery, but we will try to keep you as comfortable as possible with the appropriate medication. After surgery, most patients control their own medicine with a special pump that delivers the drug directly into their IV. For more information, read about Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) in your patient Guidebook under the “Day of Surgery- What to Expect” section.

Yes, for about four to six weeks we recommend that you use a walker, a cane or crutches. The Joint Care Manager or discharge planner can arrange for them if necessary.

The hospital reserves approximately two to two and a half hours for the surgery. However, some of this time is used for the preparation of the operation room. The procedure itself typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Total knee replacement patients typically recover quickly. You will be able to walk the first day after surgery. Generally, you can return to driving in 2-4 weeks, dancing in 4-6 weeks and golf in 6-12 weeks.

It is common to lose a small amount of blood during surgery. Sometimes, the amount of blood loss requires a blood transfusion from the hospital blood bank. Blood bank donations can come from you, your family, friends or a community member. The blood that offers you the safest and best match is your own blood. For peace of mind, you may want to consider donating your own blood. You can donate your own blood for use during or after surgery.

To donate your blood before surgery, ask your surgeon to make a blood donation appointment for you at least 3 weeks before your scheduled surgery.