Over the past 30 years, total knee replacements (TKR) have evolved to become an advantageous procedure to treat a degenerated knee joint. Its results have become increasingly beneficial, and include diminished pain, recovery of joint function and the prosthetic joint can last over 10 years (Harris et al. 1990). The procedure involves replacing the damaged and uneven joint tissue with smooth polyethylene and stainless steel surfaces. First, the frayed and worn cartilage on the articular surface of the joint capsule is removed. Second, an implant is selected based on patient size and the thickness of the implant. The implant must cover the entire surface of the tibia in order to decrease the movement of bone and keep the implant from eroding…show more content… rigorous physiotherapy program to increase the patient’s mobility before having TKR). BMI is a very significant co-morbidity in TKR patients; this is particularly relevant as obese patients make up a disproportionally large share of TKR patients (Raut et al. 2012). Nambda et al (2005) found that obese patients (BMI >35) had higher rates of infection compared to non-obese patients (BMI <35). These patients also tend to have higher rates of diabetes and…show more content… In order to prevent the thrombi from breaking off and causing a pulmonary embolism, possibly leading to death, prophylactic doses of warfarin or low molecular weight heparin (both having similar success) can be administered (Clagett et al. 1998). Patients can also receive intermittent pneumatic compression or wear elastic stockings which have the same preventative effect, but lacking the increased likelihood of haemorrhage (Clagett et al. 1998). The risk of thromboembolism is also a significant reason why medical practitioners are anxious to have their patients mobile again as early as possible post-operatively. My patient began walking with a walking frame only 24 hours after his TKR and then transitioned to just using a cane in 48 hours, therefore lowering his DVT risk
