FAQS

• Choosing to undergo orthopedic surgery is a very personal decision that only you should make.
• In the first instance, you should ask for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, who will evaluate your case. Any decision to go ahead or not will depend on how much joint pain affects your life.

• Joint replacement is recommended when other treatment options no longer supply relief.
• Orthopedic implants not only relieve pain but may also prevent future disability.
• Experiencing daily joint pain can lead to ‘staying off’ the joint. As consequence, the muscles around the joint weaken, and it becomes even more difficult to move.
• Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the benefits of joint replacement surgery with you, and explain the reasons why it may, or may not, be right for you at that time.

• Joint replacement is a safe and common procedure. However, as with any surgery it involves an element of risk. Ensure to discuss all risks of the procedure, and surgery in general with your physician and hospital staff.
• The two main complications that can occur are infection(s) and blood clots. To avoid these, you will receive antibiotics and blood thinners during and after surgery. Special precautions are also taken in the operating room to reduce the risk of patient infection.

• You may need to receive a blood transfusion after surgery. If possible, your surgeon may ask that you donate blood. The transfusion can take place any time within 35 days of surgery.
• If you cannot donate your own blood, a designated donor may do so on your behalf.
• Where necessary, you may also receive blood from a matched donor from the hospital Blood Bank where your surgery is taking place. The Blood Bank follows universal screening guidelines to ensure patient safety.

• Before starting or stopping any course of medication, please speak to your surgeon and healthcare teams.
• If you cannot donate your own blood, a designated donor may do so on your behalf.
• You should take an iron supplement, particularly if you will be donating your own blood.

• Before starting or stopping any course of medication, please speak to your surgeon and healthcare teams.
• Most medications are compatible with joint replacement surgery, but it is recommendable to quit inflammatory medications containing aspirin for the two weeks (14 days) ahead of your joint replacement.

• Your healthcare team will discuss what items you can bring to your hospital visit.
• In general, it is advised to choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and slip-on non-skid shoes.
• You may bring personal toiletries, and any current medication.
• Do not bring any high value items to hospital.
• Bring any paperwork requested by the hospital.
• If you use a walker, cane, or crutches, ask someone to bring them to you for your discharge from the hospital. Your Physical Therapist can check them to ensure the size and stability are right.

• The hospital staff will tell you when to arrive.
• Normally, it takes at least two hours to go through admission. This also includes changing into hospital clothing, and meeting with the anesthesiologist and the nurses. You can discuss any further questions you have about the procedure with them.
• It is important you do not eat or drink after midnight (12:00am) on the day of your surgery.
• Any pre-approved medication will be taken with the least amount of water required.

• Please discuss any hospital rules with your healthcare teams.
• Often, family and friends can stay with you until medical staff take you to the operating room and can visit you once you have made a full recovery

** This may vary due to the global coronavirus pandemic. **

• Depending upon the complexity of your case, joint replacement surgery can take one to three hours.
• You should also consider the extra two to three hours you will spend in the recovery room.

• Please discuss your post-surgery recovery with your physician.
• We recommend that you have help after your joint replacement surgery.
• Your risk of falling and injury is high due to the surgery itself, pain medication you may receive, as well as the anesthetic given to you.
• After being discharged from hospital most patients can go home with help from family or friends. But you may also need further help, and hospital staff will advise you and your family on the best option(s) for your case. If needed, you may also be directed to a rehab facility.

• Most patients benefit from a short-term course of pain medication for the weeks following discharge.
• You may find painkillers to be especially helpful at night or before therapy sessions, subject to your orthopedic surgeon’s evaluation.
• Many patients experience only mild discomfort in the weeks following the joint replacement surgery. However, after years of living with joint pain, for most, it is a welcome relief.
• As with any surgery, individual patient results and experiences vary. Make sure to talk with your orthopedic surgeon about your pain management options. Most likely, you should be mobile within 12-18 hours after surgery.

• Yes. You will discuss your physical therapy plan while you are in the hospital.
• The length of time needed for therapy varies with each patient.

• You may go outside at any time, depending on the joint.
• If your hips or knees were operated on, you should start with short trips, and begin to increase the number and length of outside activities as you feel more comfortable.
• You must be cautious during periods of poor weather, particularly when snow and ice cause extra hazards.

• Schedule your first post-operative visit two to three weeks after you have been discharged, according to your surgeon’s recommendation.
• Any extra visits will depend on your progress. Most patients visit their orthopedic surgeon after six and then twelve weeks, and then on a yearly basis.

• Yes, you will. Your hip could be swollen, and you may feel numbness in the area lasting approximately three months to a year following hip arthroplasty.
• You should not worry; any side effects should fade with time. However, if you hear a pop, have difficulty weight-bearing, or experience sudden pain in your joint, notify your surgeon.

• Yes. You should be using either a walker or crutches when you go home.
• A three-in-one bedside commode is also recommended.
• Medical staff will help you decide which devices are safest and how long to use each for. These items should be bought and ready installed before your surgery.

• Your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist will develop a specific plan tailored to you.
• Generally, patients use a walker or crutches for the first six weeks following surgery. This is then exchanged for a cane, used for another six weeks, before patients start walking on their own.

• Many patients can climb stairs before leaving the rehabilitation facility.
• Your surgeon and physical therapist will tell you when you can start using the stairs.

• The knee is a ‘hinge’ that joins the shin to the thigh. Cartilage cushion the bones and allows smooth movements, yet with age and stress, this cartilage wears away causing the bones to rub against each other. This may cause friction, swelling, stiffness, pain, and sometimes deformity
• When this happens, knee arthroplasty can ease pain, restore mobility and improve a patient’s quality of life.

• You will generally be in the hospital for up to three days following surgery as determined by your surgeon.
• When you leave the hospital, you will probably need to wear a shoulder sling and your arm will be sore for several weeks.
• Medical staff will work with you on exercises that you can do at home as well as in the clinic to help recovery.
• Total recovery time is patient specific but generally ranges from three to six months.