What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery

Joint replacement surgery can be an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s go over what you need to do to prepare for the surgery, what to expect the day of the operation and what to expect afterwards.

One Week Before Knee Replacement Or Hip Replacement Surgery

• See your internist
• Get blood work done, an EKG, and a chest X-ray
• Donate one unit of blood
• Have a pre-op visit with Dr. Zeegen
• Stop taking any blood thinning medications or non-steroidal. anti-inflammatory drugs 10 days before surgery

Day of Surgery

• Have nothing to eat or drink the night before
• You may take any regular medication that morning with a sip or water
• Arrive two hours early
• Get an IV started
• Receive antibiotics one hour before surgery
• Pain medication will be given in the pre-operation area

In the Operating Room

• You will meet the anesthesiologist and a spinal anesthesia will be administered
• You will be comfortably sedated
• A bladder catheter will be placed

After Surgery

• You will be in the hospital for 3-4 days and will have physical therapy each day
• Your will remain on antibiotics until all drains are removed
• You will be on an oral pain medication
• If you had knee surgery, you should wear your knee immobilizer at night for the first few days or when walking until you are able to perform a straight leg raise. Most patients discontinue its use after about a week
• The bandage on the incision is changed daily for about a week to provide new, sterile gauze
• You will be on a blood thinner (Coumadin) to help prevent blood clots in your legs

After Hospital Discharge

• Most patients go home, although a few go to rehabilitation facilities for 7 – 10 days
• Home physical therapy continues along with a home distal towel roll
• If you had knee surgery, ice your knee 3-4 times a day for at least 20 minutes at a time
• You will be Coumadin for 3 weeks after the surgery
• Blood will be drawn by a visiting nurse at your home on Mondays and Thursdays to monitor the Coumadin level

Warning Signs – Call Dr. Zeegen If You Experience Any of These

• A fever greater than 101.5 F
• A sudden increase in pain
• Excessive drainage from the incision
• Unusual redness, warmth or swelling around the incision
• Calf pain and marked swelling in the leg
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

Precautions for patients who've had hip replacement surgery

• Do not bend too far over when standing – not more than at a right angle
• Don’t raise your legs or thighs more than 90 degrees
• Do not raise your hip more than 90 degrees, even when sitting or lying down
• Don’t roll your leg inwards, which is especially important when turning on one’s side or turning in bed

Antibiotics and Dental Work

• You should take Amoxicillin (2 grams) one hour before dental work
• If you are allergic to Penicillin, an alternative antibiotic will be prescribed
• Avoid any dental cleaning and other non-urgent procedures for 6 weeks after surgery

Follow-Up Appointments

It is very important that patients make all of their follow up appointments with Dr. Zeegen. They should be made:

• 10-14 days after surgery
• 6 weeks after surgery
• 3 months after surgery
• 6 months after surgery
• 1 year after surgery
• Once a year thereafter

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns please call the office at (818) 708-9090 and speak to medical assistant Pam Winegardner or surgical coordinator Vicki Nelson. They both have many years of experience preparing patients and their families for surgery.