Total Joint Replacement

Before You Come to the Hospital

The road to recovery begins before your surgery. We are here to support you. Help us help you by raising any medical concerns with your surgeon and any unresolved administrative issues (such as insurance coverage) with your surgeon’s office manager. Your active participation in treatment, with full understanding of all issues, is vital to your successful recovery.

• Visit your primary care physician and any specialists as indicated prior to your surgery to discuss steps to take for a successful recovery. This may include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and discontinuing certain medications or supplements, as directed.
• Following initial pre-surgical tests and consultation with your primary care physician, you’ll be scheduled for additional screening through our Pre-Surgical Optimization Program (POP) required for every person having a total joint replacement.
• Your surgeon may advise you on a specific diet prior to your surgery. This may include changes to nutritional or herbal supplements or following a clear fluid diet before surgery. Ask your surgeon if you’re unclear about what is OK to consume or not.
• While pain may limit your physical activity before surgery, there may be specific exercises to do to aid in an easier recovery. Your doctor or surgeon will be able to help you determine which exercise program is most beneficial.