Preparing for Surgery

PLANNING FOR HIP REPLACEMENT OR KNEE REPLACEMENT IN ADVANCE

Three Weeks Before Surgery:

1. Ensure you have received the necessary preoperative clearances with your medical doctors before your preoperative appointment, which takes place 1-2 weeks before surgery.
2. Avoid scheduling dental work within three months after surgery. Notify us if you have concerns about dental infections or loose or painful teeth before surgery. Most standard dental work can occur up to 1 week before surgery.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE SURGERY:

1. Do not receive any injections in the surgical joint within three months of your procedure.
2. Arrange for transportation and for someone to be with you on your surgery day and for your first post-operative appointment.
3. Plan for a support person to stay with you for a few nights after surgery if you live alone.
4. Adjust your work schedule based on anticipated recovery time. Desk work typically can begin after the 6 week appointment, manual labor or other physical work can begin after 12 weeks.
5. Make your home “surgery safe” by removing tripping hazards and arranging pet care if needed.
6. Stock up on protein-rich foods and hydration drinks to support recovery. Make meals ahead of time and store in the freezer if you can. “Make healthy decisions the easy decision”.
7. If you use tobacco products, you should be nicotine free for six weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery for better healing and less risk of infection.
8. Continue regular exercise if you are already active; otherwise, begin the pre-operative exercise routine outlined in this guide.
9. Arrange transportation for your first post-operative appointment ahead of time, typically 2 weeks after surgery.
10. Please be thorough with personal hygiene, any skin folds or creases with rash or yeast infections should be cleansed daily with soapy water, then completely dried and treated with anti-fungal powder.

MEDICATIONS TO STOP BEFORE SURGERY  

Highlight any medicines that you are currently taking

Mark on a calendar when you will take your last dose

14 Days Before Surgery:

• GLP-1 agonists and other weight loss medicines
  • Such as Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy etc.

7 Days Before Surgery:

• Aspirin / BC Powder
• Plavix, Pradaxa
• Anti-inflammatory medications (except Celebrex)
• All Marijuana and THC-containing products
• Herbal supplements
• Fish oil

5 Days Before Surgery:

• Warfarin
• Coumadin
• Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
• Eliquis (Apixaban)

Medications You May Continue Up to Surgery:

• Tylenol
• Celebrex
• Ultram (Tramadol)
• Vitamin C
• Iron Supplements

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR SURGERY CHECKLIST:

Two Weeks Before Surgery

1. Ensure all necessary medical clearances and lab work are completed.
2. Thoroughly clean and dry all skin folds and creases daily.
   • Use antifungal powder on any skin folds with rash
   • Amazon recommendation: Safrel Miconazole Powder
3. Purchases you may want to consider:
   • Additional waterproof dressings:
     Amazon recommendation: EVERLIT Silicone Foam Dressing with Gentle Adhesive Border (4” x 10” | 5 Pack) – ~$25
   • Cold therapy options:
     • Standard ice packs
       Amazon example: Rester’s Choice Gel Cold & Hot Packs (2 Ice Packs) – ~$20.
     • Cold therapy machines, please discuss options with Dr. Montgomery. These machines pump cold water from a tank through a special wrap around the knee. The machines may be rented for the recovery period.
       Examples would be Clifflag (clifflag.com) and GameReady (www.gameready.com)
     • Chlorhexidine soap to eliminate dangerous bacteria from the skin before surgery.
       Brand name Hibiclens, the generic name is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) 4% Solution, can be purchased at local drugstores.
     • A pill organizer
       • Any 7 day, 4-time-per-day organizer will work
       • Amazon examples
     • Compression stockings to aid in recovery
       Amazon example: Edemawear by Compression Dynamics, “go long!” and get the ones that go from your foot to your groin.

**Follow your nutrition plan, your medication plan and your exercises in preparation for surgery.