KNEECAP REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the kneecap (patella).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Kneecap; knee joint; muscles and ligaments attached to kneecap.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Fracture of the kneecap.
• Recurrent dislocations of the kneecap.
• Painful degenerative arthritis in the kneecap.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Orthopedist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of both knees.
• After surgery: Blood studies; x-rays of the affected knee.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• Spinal anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made around the kneecap.
• The muscles and tendons attached to the kneecap are cut, and the kneecap is removed.
• The muscles are sewn back together with strong suture material.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--6 to 8 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--

vein blood clots.

• While sleeping or sitting, keep the affected leg elevated with pillows under the foot or blocks under the bed.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Use crutches or a cane to walk as directed by your doctor. Don't stand for prolonged periods. > Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will restore strength to the knee. > Resume driving 3 weeks after returning home.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• Toes become cold, discolored or numb.
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea or vomiting.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.