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Warning-sign checks

Total knee joint replacement - revision: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or severe difficulty breathing.

    Also seek emergency help if the foot becomes suddenly cold, pale, numb, or difficult to move.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, worsening swelling, fever, chills, new knee instability, or pain that is getting worse rather than gradually improving.

    Also call if the wound opens or you cannot manage prescribed exercises because of pain or weakness.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for new calf pain or one-sided leg swelling, as these can occur with a blood clot.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine questions about dressings, medicines, exercises, or return to work can usually wait for the surgical team during normal contact hours.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Total knee joint replacement - revision. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.