How Does PRP Work for Healing and Pain Management?
Do you have an overuse injury or arthritis? If you do, you’re probably looking for pain relief. Try platelet-rich plasma. Learn more about how PRP can help heal orthopedic injuries.
Your Guide to Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
You’re scheduling joint replacement surgery. Whether it’s a knee, hip, or another joint, you’re ready for a new lease on life with a new joint that makes movement easier.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons with Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine perform joint replacements routinely. Our expertise helps relieve your painful and stiff joints.
Joint replacement surgery is going to change your daily schedule for several weeks. We provide written pre- and post-operative instructions that you must follow to help ensure an optimal surgical outcome.
The following is a summary of the comprehensive instructions for your procedure.
Medical review
Your primary care physician conducts a physical examination and orders blood and imaging tests a few weeks before your surgery to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the operation and determine your risk for anesthesia.
We tell you which medications to stop before surgery and for how long, such as blood thinners.
Dental work precaution
Make sure dental work is completed weeks ahead of your joint replacement and that none is scheduled for several weeks afterward. This prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream through your gums, which could cause a dangerous infection in your new joint.
Physical preparation
You’ll need to stop tobacco use well ahead of your operation as well as afterward. It impedes recovery. Don’t consume alcohol in the days before or after your surgery.
Ask us what type of exercises you should do before your operation. Strengthening your body helps you use a walker or crutches. Building strong muscles makes recovery easier, and a strong cardiovascular system reduces your risk of complications such as pneumonia.
Caregiver assistance
You’ll need help bathing, preparing meals, and getting to post-op appointments in the first weeks after your operation. Make sure you have reliable help from family or a friend.
Home preparation
Set up an accessible area in your home so that you have the needed items within easy reach. Consider your:
- Glasses
- Water
- Phone and charger
- Computer
- Tissues
A recliner is ideal, especially if you’re having a shoulder replacement. For many shoulder replacement patients, it’s more comfortable than sleeping in a bed.
The day before joint replacement surgery
Your instructions include taking a bath using special antibacterial soap the morning of surgery, and possibly also the night prior to surgery. Don’t shave the target area.
Make sure you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before your operation. Bring your insurance card and ID, and any walking aids we identified. You must have a friend or family member available to drive you home after your procedure.
Following our instructions helps enable the successful outcome you want.
Call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal today if you’re considering joint replacement surgery.
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