The patient/caregiver was educated on fall precautions during immediate post-knee replacement as follows:
- Do not use your assistive device, such as, walker or crutch, as a source of support to hold on to or push yourself up against during sitting and standing respectively. The assistive devices poorly support your weight during the task and do not offer a stable support, thus inviting a fall risk. While sitting, stretch the bad knee out, bear weight on the good knee, and use the armrests for support, to slowly slide into the chair. While standing up, stretch the bad knee out, bear weight on the good knee, and push against the floor with the good knee & against the armrests with both hands to lift yourself up. Do not rely on the assistive device until your weight is situated directly above the device.
- The grossly limited ROM in the joint during the immediate post-surgical phase can compromise balance and trigger a fall. Individuals must plan ahead for movements to avert falls and accidents. Do not rush during ambulation and take your time for your trips. If experiencing an exacerbation of pain, having a seat attached to the assistive device, as appropriate, can help with taking a break and resting during ambulation. Also, plan your restroom trips in advance. Do not wait until the last minute and rush to the restroom, which might risk a fall.
- Avoid any piece of furniture or assistive devices with wheels, swivels, or rockers. They can be highly unstable, offer poor support, and carry significant risk for falls & accidents.
- Use of a handheld water hose can help avoid the stress of turning your back inside the shower to the stream of water. Handheld water hose can help easy rinsing of back and other difficult to reach areas of the body, while seated on the shower bench. Having an extension to the water hose, as needed, can add more comfort.
