"To-Do List" Before Surgery

Read the patient education and guide to total joint booklet and online resources. We encourage everyone to do their own research as well. An excellent resource is the American Academy of Hip and Knee surgeons (AAHKS.org). There is A LOT of information on the internet - if you have any additional questions about surgery or the process this entails, please reach out to us! This is a big surgery and your health and recovery are important to us.

 

Pre-Surgical Testing & Medical Clearance for Surgery: Pre-surgical medical workup and clearance is required for all joint replacement patients to ensure medical optimization of chronic medical conditions and medical clearance for surgery. This appointment will be scheduled for you at the time of scheduling surgery and will take place with our PAT Nurse Practitioners at Saint Alphonsus. All patients require labs and EKG prior to joint replacement surgery. You may need additional clearance depending on your medical history, such as cardiology. 

 

*Required Pre-operative testing for ALL patients includes: 

[  ] Lab testing (CBC, CMP; Hgb A1c <7.5 (if diabetic)) 

[  ] EKG (all males >50yo, females >60

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Designate a Caregiver/ Coach: This is someone who will help you through the entire process of preparing for, having and recovering from surgery. Additionally, you will need a caregiver to stay with you 24/7 for a minimum of 2-3 days after you return home from surgery, and someone who can check in on you or help for 10-14 days post op. We recommend a family member or close friend. Your caregiver/ coach often: 

-Accompanies you to pre and post operative visits (medical, surgical, physical therapy)     

-Transports you to the hospital on the day of surgery

-Stays with you after surgery as you recover

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Purchase Necessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME): The follow is a list of required medical equipment you will need to purchase prior to surgery. ​(We recommend acquiring from Amazon.com or local medical supply store)

- Ice packs/cooling device 

- Front wheeled walker (FWW)

- Raised toilet seat​ (optional)

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Schedule Post Op Outpatient Physical Therapy (only for knee replacement), as follows:              

            *Please arrange for outpatient PT to start 2 weeks after surgery

 

Dental Work: Cancel any dental appointments 1 month PRIOR to surgery and 3 months AFTER surgery. If you have any loose teeth or dental work that needs to get done, let us know IMMEDIATELY. ALL dental work must be completed 4 weeks before surgery, as in rare cases it can lead to infection after surgery! 

 

Ensure Your Home is “Surgery Safe”:

• Remove all small rugs or obstacles that may be in your path around your home

• Create clear walking paths throughout your house

• If possible, have a bed and bath on your main floor

• If you have pets, it’s a good idea to have someone assist in their care for the first 1 week after surgery

• Prepare meals ahead of time if needed for your first few days after coming home. It’ll make your life easier!

 

Preoperative Exercises: There are no specific "pre-hab" exercises for joint replacements. However, it is recommended that all patients practice the post operative "Big 3" exercises prior to surgery. Additionally, keeping your mobility, strength and range of motion will help speed your recovery. 

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Pre-Operative Visit (approximately 2-3 weeks before surgery): At this visit, we will review the details of the surgery, discuss post op medications, review medical clearance, sign the surgical consent, and answer any questions you have before surgery. 

 

If there are any changes to your health prior to surgery, please contact us immediately. Our desire is for you to have a safe and successful joint replacement!