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If after undergoing an orthopedic evaluation, you and your surgeon decide that hip replacement surgery is the best possible treatment for you; our team of medical experts will provide you with information on how to prepare for the procedure.
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Medical Preparations
A few days before your procedure, you will need to have a complete physical by our physician, cardiology and anesthesia team to rule out any other medical problems that may interfere with your surgery. At this time, your doctor also will take your medical history and order various tests that must be performed before surgery, such as blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECG) or ECHO. |
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Be sure to tell your orthopedic surgeon about all medications that you are taking. They will then advise you on which medications you should continue or stop taking prior to surgery. In addition, if you develop any kind of infection prior to surgery, such as a cold or the flu, notify your surgeon immediately.
You should be in the best possible health before your surgery. If you are overweight, your doctor may suggest that you lose weight. If you smoke, it is highly recommended that you stop prior to your surgery because smoking can change blood flow patterns and delay healing and recovery. |
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Blood Donation
Total hip replacement surgery can result in blood loss that may require a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is suggested that either you donate your own blood before surgery or yourself, your family or friends may donate for you. They must have the same blood type and meet criteria for donation. Otherwise, banked blood is available. Banked blood, which is from volunteers, is screened for viral diseases and is matched to your blood type.
Dental Evaluation
Significant dental conditions and problems should be treated prior to surgery. Although uncommon, an infection can occur as a result of these dental procedures if bacteria enter your bloodstream. If necessary, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist before your joint replacement surgery to treat any problems you may have.
Artificial Implant
When planning your hip replacement surgery, you will discuss the many options available for the design and materials of your artificial implant, or prostheses, with your orthopedic surgeon. An implant is designed to replicate the action of a healthy ball-and-socket hip joint. It consists of three parts: the stem, the ball or head, and the shell and accompanying liner.
Eventually, due to continuous movement and friction between the different parts of your implant, certain surfaces may wear out and need replacement. The vast majority of total hip replacements are performed using a metal ball and a plastic socket made of an ultra-high weight polyethylene material. However, in certain circumstances depending on your age, bone quality and activity level, your surgeon may recommend an alternative bearing surface. These bearing surfaces, in some cases, could provide increased resistance to wear of your total hip replacement.
Home Preparations
It is recommended that you plan for your return home prior to your admission to the hospital so that you are as comfortable as possible. We recommend a family member or friend is with you twenty-four hours a day for the first week. We need to arrange crutches or a walker, raised toilet seat, bedside commode and high chair.
After surgery you will need help caring for yourself at home. Figure out ahead of time who will be able to assist you and talk with them about your concerns. If no one is available to care for you, please let us know and a discharge-planning nurse can help make arrangements for skilled nursing or caregivers to help you at home.
The Day Before Surgery
Our hospital staff will call to notify you of your surgery and scheduled admission times. You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. Please take a shower or bath and wash your body thoroughly. Try to rest and go to bed early.
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