Pre-Operative Checklist

Preparing for total joint replacement begins weeks before the actual surgery.
To ensure your surgery can be performed as scheduled, you may need to
complete the following before being admitted to the hospital:

Get a physical exam

A physical examination with your orthopedic surgeon is required within
30 days of your surgical date to assess your overall health and identify
any medical conditions that could interfere with your surgery or recovery.

See the dentist

An infection can occur if bacteria enters your bloodstream. Complete dental
procedures such as extractions and any periodontal work before surgery.

Review current medications with your surgeon

• Do not take Plavix®, anti-inflammatory medications containing aspirin
  or ibuprofen, or blood thinners within two weeks of surgery unless permitted
  by your physician. Most herbal supplements should also be stopped.
• Ask your orthopedic surgeon which prescription medications, over-the-counter
  drugs, and vitamin and herbal supplements you should continue or stop
  before your surgery.

Schedule a hospital pre-surgical assessment appointment

You must have a pre-surgical assessment at the hospital a few days before
surgery. A staff member will call you to schedule your appointment. Your
past medical history will determine which pre-surgical testing will be
required. Bring a written list of past surgeries along with a list of
your prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamin and
herbal supplements — and their dosages. You may be required to undergo
a COVID swab regardless of vaccination history.

Get lab tests done

Your doctor may also refer you to your PCP to have routine blood work.
Patients over age 50 and those with cardiac or respiratory history may
also be required to have an EKG and chest X-ray.

Discuss your pain management plan with doctors

Discuss with your anesthesiologist and surgeon your options for pain management
before, during, and after surgery. If possible, fill any prescriptions
you need before you are discharged from the hospital.

Admission registration

Before hospitalization, you will be asked to verify your current address,
telephone numbers, and insurance information and provide consent for treatment.
Patients are routinely asked about any advanced directives or “living
wills” they may have. Please plan to bring a copy of these documents
with you on the day of surgery.

Surgical consent

Your surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form confirming that you agree
to have the operation and that you know the risks involved. If this is
not done in the surgeon’s office or sometime before surgery, it
will be completed the day you arrive at the hospital before surgery.

Plan rehabilitative care

You may need help at home for the first few weeks after surgery, including
assistance with bathing, dressing, shopping, preparing meals, and transportation.
If you are not able to arrange for someone to help you at home and your
doctor has ordered home care, a social worker can assist with the options
available. When you can safely leave the house, you can begin outpatient
physical therapy (if ordered by your doctor).

Arrange transportation to and from the hospital and outpatient therapy

Plan to stay for 1 to 2 nights in the hospital. Make arrangements for someone
to bring you to the hospital and pick you up when you are discharged.
You may also need assistance getting to and from outpatient therapy if
you are not yet able to drive yourself.

Learn more about the Methodist Richardson Joint Academy and find an orthopedic
surgeon on the medical staff by calling
(214) 947-0044.