Get Ready
Health Assessment and Surgical Planning
Your healthcare provider and surgeon will tell you what tests and evaluation you need in advance of surgery.
In general, you’ll need:
- A physical exam to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Blood tests to give a snapshot of your overall health and identify any underlying conditions that might complicate surgery or recovery.
- An electrocardiogram to check your heart health.
- Imaging tests, including a knee X-ray, to evaluate the extent of joint damage or degeneration and lan the surgical approach. You might also need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Range of motion tests to assess the condition of muscles surrounding your joint.
Keep in mind, your medical team may choose to run additional tests based on your health profile.
Preparing for Surgery
You and your medical team will coordinate your pre-surgery activities to make sure you are ready on the big day:
- Make sure your medical is aware of any medications and over the counter supplements you are currently taking.
- You may have to stop taking some medications or supplements before your surgery.
- Your surgeon will tell you when you should stop eating and drinking the day before your surgery.
On the Day
In preparation for surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia to numb your body and make sure you don’t feel any pain. An anesthesiologist will give you either general anesthesia to put you to sleep during your surgery or a regional anesthesia to numb the area being operated on.
During a typical Hip or Knee replacement, the surgical team will:
- Remove damaged cartilage and bone.
- Insert the prosthetic joint components
- Insert a plastic spacer that recreates the smooth cushion of your cartilage that was damaged or removed.
- If needed, reshape the remaining bone to ensure proper alignment
Hip and Knee replacements usually take an hour or two. Your surgeon will tell you how long your surgery will take based on the complexity of the operation.
Local Hip and Knee Specialists
Dr. Brian C. Fuller
Carrollton, Texas
95%
Success in pain relief (1)
450K
Annual Procedures in U.S.
Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is crucial after knee or hip surgery. When performed consistently, physical therapy:
- Reduces pain and swelling around the joint
- Strengthens the muscles surrounding the affected joint, providing better support and stability
- Improves mobility by working the joint through its full range of motion
- Prevents unwanted scar tissue from forming within the joint.
Are you exercise avoidant?
Not to worry – you will not go it alone. As part of your treatment plan, your doctor will connect you with physical therapy specialists who will serve as coaches and cheerleaders every step of the way during your rehabilitation journey.
