Preparing for Surgery

Medical Clearance

Your Surgeon and surgery scheduler will discuss any requirements you must complete before being cleared for surgery. For example, you may need to visit your primary medical provider and have medical records or medical clearance documentation faxed to your surgery scheduler. It may also be advised to have a check-up with your dentist and complete any necessary dental work prior to surgery.  Dental clearance is obtained to reduce the risk of bacteria from a dental infection going to your joint replacement. 

 

After medical and/or dental clearance is received by your surgery scheduler, a date for surgery can be scheduled.

No dental work should be done within four weeks of surgery. If there are dental emergencies or if you have any new symptoms, such as rashes, bruises or bumps close to your upcoming scheduled surgery, immediately contact the Orthopaedic Surgery clinic at 858-939-5434.

 

Preparing Physically

Physically prepare yourself as much as possible before surgery. Doing exercises that improve your upper body strength will be useful to help support yourself after your joint replacement. You can do this by sitting in a chair and using your arms to lift your body up and down. 

 

Things to do to prepare yourself and your home before surgery:

• Identifying a person to care for you at home after surgery

• Make transportation arrangements for day of discharge at 11am, follow up appointments & outpatient Physical Therapy

• Create a clear pathway that would fit a walker, cane or crutches

• Remove clutter, throw rugs and/or trip hazards

• Purchase night lights for hallways and bathrooms

• Walk through your home as if you had your joint replaced, what needs to be moved or more accessible

• Get a hand held shower head, thermometer and weekly med box

• Get a notebook for notes, and to write down times of medications

• Arrange for pet boarding while you are recovering

• Make a note of the layout of your home and number of stairs

• Stop smoking before surgery

• Place commonly used items within reach (ex: remote, water bottle)

• Stock up on food and home supplies (driving after surgery is restricted initially)

 

Prepare your home before surgery by ensuring essential items are available to you. Ice packs are needed to ice your post- operative site. Preparing well balanced meals ahead of time are helpful, as you will need to rest and focus on rehabilitation after surgery.

 

Preoperative Appointments

Your surgery scheduler will help you coordinate a pre-operative appointment with you for 2-3 weeks before surgery.