Thomas V. King, MD

NAVIGATION is both the FIRST AND LAST step in the AVATAR process. We will be ushering you through the entire experience making sure nothing falls through the cracks. CALL US or TEXT US FIRST with any concerns or questions.

For total knees, continuous motion is vital to prevent scarring and stiffness. Upon arrival at home, a physical therapist will visit and work to progress motion, walking and strength. When no longer homebound, outpatient physical therapy will continue for a few weeks.

A physical therapist will work with the nurses to begin mobilizing to a chair while monitoring vital signs like blood pressure. They will encourage joint motion and then start the process of walking with a walker and managing stairs. This may take 2 to 5 hours before walking and stairs are deemed to be safe.

The recovery room (PACU) stay will be about an hour or less while the sedation wears off Post-operative pain is normal and the nurses have ways to help control discomfort while administering IV. Hydration. We encourage light eating and drinking and then begin moving the joint right away.

For both Same Day Surgery and overnight surgery, our goal is to manage the entire experience with a focus on safety and comfort. Even though patients are asleep for surgery, regional anesthesia (nerve blocks) are preferable to deep general anesthesia as there is less grogginess and nausea afterwards.