Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Proper preparation before surgery gives you the best chance of recovery. Preparing for joint replacement surgery involves getting your body in the best possible shape. You can do this by quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising and adjusting your medications. Establishing a home recovery routine beforehand will facilitate the healing process post-surgery.

Are you preparing for knee replacement surgery? Maybe you’re wondering how to prepare for hip surgery. Whatever the case, there are a few ways to set yourself up for success.

Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement, or arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces part or all of a joint. A surgeon replaces the damaged joint with a prosthetic. 

The most common replacements are hips and knees. However, replacement surgeries also happen on the shoulder, elbow, wrist and ankle joints.  

What to Expect During Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a complex procedure, but here is a summary of what you can expect:

1. Depending on the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s recommendations, you will be given either general anesthesia or regional (spinal) anesthesia with sedation. Your care team will monitor your vitals throughout the surgery.
2. The surgeon makes an incision to expose the area and removes the damaged joint.
3. They insert a prosthesis made of metal and plastic, attached to the bone with surgical cement. 
4. If needed, the surgeon reshapes your bone around the implant.
5. After closing the incision, the doctor may attach a drain to remove fluid.
6. The team dresses the wound and takes you to recovery. 

Today, surgeons use robotics for precise implant placement and bone reshaping. 

How to Prepare Your Body for Joint Replacement Surgery

Having a healthy body helps with the surgery and recovery. The healthier our bodies are, the more efficiently they heal. Here are some tips to stay in top shape before joint replacement surgery:

1. Try to Stop Smoking

The adverse effects of nicotine on the human body are well-documented. Smoking and nicotine hinder blood flow and healing, increasing the risk of surgical complications. If you need help quitting, speak to your surgeon or health care provider.  

2. Reach a Safe Weight

Excess weight can strain replaced joints, particularly the hips and knees. Your doctor may recommend reaching a certain weight before surgery. Consult with your primary care provider or enlist family and friends to help you achieve your goal. 

3. Adjust Your Medications

Certain medications can interfere with surgery, including:

• Blood thinners such as Plavix, Lovenox, Jantoven and Eliquis.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve.
• Supplements include vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and ginseng.

You must stop taking these at least seven days before surgery. Make sure you tell your surgeon about any medications and supplements you’re taking. They will tell you which ones are safe and which ones to stop a few days or weeks before surgery. 

Your surgeon might prescribe you medication or supplements leading up to the procedure. Take these as recommended. 

4. Go to the Dentist

Believe it or not, teeth and gum health can impact the results of your procedure. Dental disease can lead to infection after surgery. Schedule an examination with your dentist. If you need dental surgery, arrange this well before your joint implant and let your surgeon know. 

5. Strengthen Your Muscles

Your surgeon may recommend exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint. Improving muscle health helps with the healing process. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Your home is your sanctuary of healing after surgery. Preparing for hip replacement (or any other joint replacement) means preparing your surroundings.

1. Enlist Support

Make arrangements with a friend or family member to support you as you recover. You may need help with cooking, running errands or looking after the kids. 

2. Plan Your Sleeping Arrangements

After a joint replacement, you’ll be less mobile for a while. Adjusting your sleeping arrangements can make things easier:

• Sleep on the ground floor: If your bedroom requires you to walk upstairs, set up a temporary bed on the ground floor. 
• Adjust the height of your bed: Lowering or raising your bed can make it easier to get in and out. 
• Prepare your nightstand: If you don’t already have one, put a table beside the bed for your essential items. From your phone to pain medication, everything must be within your reach.

3. Invest in Recovery Tools

You may need specific items to help you move around as you recover, such as:

• Walking aids: After surgery, you will need crutches, a walker or a cane. Ask your surgeon to arrange one through the hospital or recommend one for purchase.
• Bathroom aids: Getting in and out of the bath may be difficult. Install grab bars next to the tub and toilet. If you shower, get a shower chair. Patients who will undergo hip replacement should also get an attachment for the toilet seat to make it higher and more accessible.
• A long-handled shoehorn: Bending down to put on shoes and socks can be challenging after surgery. A long-handled shoehorn makes this task much easier. Another helpful item is a reaching tool to help you retrieve items from the floor or shelves.

4. Rearrange the House

Moving furniture or arranging items to be within reach will help your recovery:

• Remove tripping hazards: Clear potential risks, like potted plants, electrical cords or area rugs.  
• Arrange items for easy reach: Put items you use often between waist and shoulder level. You want to avoid bending down or reaching up. 
• Put chairs in every room: In the weeks after surgery, you will be sitting or lying down. Keep a firm-backed chair in any room you plan to use. 

5. Stock up on Essentials

Buy what you need ahead of time to reduce the need to go to the store. Stock up on toiletries, canned food, medications and frozen ready meals. Ask someone to assist you or use a delivery service for any perishable goods. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Replacement Surgery

If you’re considering surgery, you may have some questions about joint replacements. It helps to write these down and ask your surgeon to put your mind at ease. Here are some answers to common questions:  

What Are the Risks of Joint Replacement Surgery?

Any surgical procedure carries risks like blood clots, infection or nerve damage. Orthopedic surgeons work hard to minimize those risks. Following instructions and taking prescribed medications reduces the chance of complications. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Joint Replacement Surgery?

Recovery after hip or knee surgery can take three to six months. Recovery time varies depending on your existing health and adherence to aftercare instructions. It’s essential to do the exercises your surgeon or physiotherapist gives you. 

What Not to Do Before Joint Replacement Surgery

Before hip, knee or any other joint replacement surgery, do not:

• Neglect your pre-operative exercises and medications.
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Forget to confirm coverage with your insurance.
• Think you can handle recovery alone. Support is essential during this time. 

Trust the Joint Replacement Specialists at Fondren

Fondren Orthopedic Group is one of Houston’s largest private orthopedic surgery associations. Our fellowship-trained specialists perform over 4,000 joint replacement surgeries a year. At Fondren, you’re assured of patient-centered care every step of the way. We use a combination of surgical skills and advanced technology to get you back on your feet. 

Learn more about our specialization in joint replacements, or contact us to schedule a consultation.