Does It Hurt To Have Staples Removed After Knee Replacement Surgery
Removing Staples After Knee Replacement Surgery
Staple removal is often painless and quick. In the following video a person removes his staples at home, but it is always recommended you allow your physician or surgical team remove the staples in their office.
Why Are Staples Used Instead of Sutures Following Knee Replacement?
Once study of 181 patients found significantly fewer complications when using sutures. [1]
The patients in this study were divided into a staples group and a sutures group. The sutures group experienced 4 infections, 3 patients requiring re-suturing, and 1 allergic reaction to the suture material.
The staples group experienced no complications.
Staple removal is often painless and quick. In the following video a person removes his staples at home, but it is always recommended you allow your physician or surgical team remove the staples in their office.
When Are Staples Removed After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Staples are often removed between 7 and 10 days after surgery. The important thing for you to do as a patient is keep the incision clean, dry, and monitor for any possible signs of infection.
Question from Facebook:
“I’m getting ready to have my staples out next week. Can you tell me, does that help with the pain once they’re out? Does your leg geel slightly better?”
Answer:
“I have had many patients tell me that after their staples removed after knee replacement surgery they felt more confident about moving their knee.”
Often, the fear of disrupting the staples or damaging them causes my patients to fear moving their knee. There is a strong nocebo influence when you look at this row of 20 staples stuck in your skin.
In the clinic more than half of my patients will report feeling less pain and more range of motion once the staples are removed.
Most patients have said they feel pulling in the staples when trying to bend their knee before they are removed.
About the Author -
Anthony Maritato, PT has been a licensed physical therapist since 2006. He specializes in post surgical care and rehabilitation of total knee replacement and rotator cuff repair surgery.
Mr. Maritato is also nationally recognized as a therapist educator teaching courses related to Medicare reimbursement, contracting, and documentation.
Total Therapy Solutions LLC is Tony's primary practice which he owns with his wife Kathy who is also a licensed physical therapist.
