Hip and Knee
Overview
Hip or knee surgery may be required when there is pain or injury to the joint. While non-surgical treatment methods are initially prescribed, hip or knee surgery often becomes the necessary treatment for these conditions. The most common types of hip and knee surgery are:
Hip
- Total Hip Replacement (THA)
- Revision Hip Surgery
Knee
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement (TKA)
- Knee Revision Surgery
If you choose surgery for your hip or knee pain, the surgeon will typically perform arthroscopic surgery or replacement. Arthroscopic surgery involves a long, thin instrument that is inserted into the patient’s body through small incisions. Hip or knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with new parts. Pain is expected after recovery from either surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure to optimize your recovery and pain relief.
Before the Procedure
Once you arrive at the hospital or surgery center, an anesthesia provider will determine which type of anesthesia is best for you and your surgery. Based on their assessment, your anesthesia provider may place a continuous nerve block catheter connected to a pain pump to extend your pain relief at your surgical site. The pump will allow a local anesthetic to be delivered to relieve pain near the surgical area.
Your surgeon also has the option to place the pain pump if that is their preference. With the surgeon’s placement, the catheter is inserted near the knee or hip joint after the joint has been replaced.
During the Procedure
After the Procedure
Your First Day at Home
If you have questions or need more information on your pain pump, please check out our FAQ page and Resources page or call our 24/7 nurse hotline at 1-800-444-2728.