Preparing for Surgery

Preparation begins before your actual surgery. The information provided will help you better understand your diagnosis, the joint replacement process and what to expect every step of the way.

Better preparation will lead to greater overall patient experience

General Information

• Cancel any dental appointments that fall 3 weeks prior to surgery and 3 months after surgery.
• Avoid any injections into your surgical joint for 3 months prior to surgery.
• You will be discharged from the hospital as discussed previously, so plan ahead for transportation home or to a hotel.

Activity and Preoperative Physical Therapy

• Continue your normal activity as tolerated.
• Preoperative exercises will help supporting muscles to the joint get strengthened and maintain range of motion before surgery.
• Many patients, who can gain strength before surgery, find it is easier to regain strength after surgery.
• See Preoperative Exercise Program - Hip
• See Preoperative Exercise Program - Knee

Preventing Surgical Site Infection

Skin Care: There are several steps that you can take to help prevent surgical site infections.

• We recommend washing with the surgical Hibiclens soap for the three days prior to your surgery. This can be purchased at most drug stores.
• You should plan to shower with the cleanser the morning of your surgery, leaving it on your knee or hip for 3-5 minutes.
• Do not use any lotions, perfumes or powders.
• Broken skin or rashes should be reported to the office prior to surgery.

Nasal Bacteria: You will be asked to test for bacterial colonization in the nose.

• This is done with your preoperative lab work.
• Many patients test positive for staph bacteria colonization.
• If you have a positive test you will be notified and a nasal ointment will be prescribed for you to use before surgery.
• Preoperative testing and treatment has been shown to help reduce infection.

Illness:

• If you become ill with a fever, cold, sore throat, flu, or any other illness, please contact the office 248.650.2400.

Clearance and Preoperative Testing

• Before surgery, you are required to undergo lab testing including blood work, and a nasal culture.
  • This should be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • These can all be performed at the Ascension Crittenton outpatient lab, and results will be sent directly to us.
  • Your family physician can also perform these tests during your medical clearance evaluation.
• You may be asked to undergo cardiac clearance, if indicated.
  • If you choose to have your medical doctor perform the preoperative testing, please make sure all test results are sent directly to our office.
• You will receive a call several days before your surgery to discuss your history and medications, as well as a call the evening before your surgery (usually between 4-6pm) to let you know your arrival time.
  • If your surgery is on a Monday, you will receive a call the Friday before.

Tips for Preparing Your Home

You and your family may want to consider these tips to help make your home safe and comfortable when you return from your surgery. You may also be set up with a home care company who will come to your home for a preoperative visit to help you prepare your home.

Home Preparation Checklist

• Purchase a non-slip bath mat for inside your tub/shower.
• Check rooms for tripping hazards. Remove throw rugs and secure electrical cords out of your way.
• In order to minimize cooking, prepare meals in advance and freeze them. Alternatively, you can purchase prepared meals for convenience.
• Install night lights in bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Make arrangements for house work/outdoor work for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do laundry ahead of time and put clean linens on your bed.
• Arrange for someone to collect your newspaper and mail.
• Prepare an area where you can properly elevate your leg while lying down, and what props you will use.
• We recommend that you have someone home with you after your surgery until you are able to perform activities of daily living independently and safely.
  • Typically, this occurs within one week after you return home.
• If you have pets, you may want to arrange for someone to assist you in caring for them for the first few days after you return home.
• While taking narcotic pain medication, you will NOT be permitted to drive.
• You will need to follow-up with us approximately 3 weeks after your surgery. This appointment may have been made for you when you signed up for surgery originally. If you were not given an appointment or have any questions about your appointment, please contact us.
  • Office: 248.650.2400
  • Stephanie Orr: Surgical Coordinator