Joint Replacement Institute

Planning for Your Surgery (Pre-Op)

There are several issues to consider, forms to sign and tasks to complete in preparation for hip replacement surgery. They include::

Arbitration Agreement

Informed Consent

Health Insurance and Prior Authorization for Surgery

Blood

Medications

Weight Reduction and Home Exercises (Hip)

Home Preparation

Medical Evaluation

Pre-operative Orthopaedic Examination

What to Bring to the Hospital

After Your Hip Surgery (Post-Op)

Home Preparation

Preparing your home for post-operative recuperation is essential since you will be using either a walker or crutches. Begin home preparations at least a week in advance of surgery. You should try using a walker or crutches around the house making sure that important areas (bathroom, kitchen, bedroom) are easily accessible. You may need to rearrange furniture or temporarily change rooms for your convenience after your surgery. If possible, minimize the number of stairs you must climb each day. Remove all throw or area rugs that could cause one to slip. Bathroom modifications that may be helpful include a shower chair, gripping bars, flexible shower handle, non-slip floor surfaces or mats, soap bars with a string attached and a long-handled scrub brush. If you live alone, you may want to make arrangements to have a friend or relative stay with you for a short while after your surgery. Ask for help ahead of time to be sure that they will be there when you need them. This is especially useful in meal preparation, carrying various items such as plates and cups, putting on socks and personal hygiene. It may be helpful to wear shirts with pockets and/or to drape a small canvas or plastic bag draped over your shoulder for carrying smaller items. Occasionally, patients are sent to a rehabilitation facility after their surgery until they are stronger.

If you do not already have a disabled parking permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may apply for a temporary permit several weeks prior to surgery.

Medical Evaluation

Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure and care must be taken that you are in the best medical condition. Patients from the Los Angeles and southern California areas must see our internist two to three weeks prior to your surgery for medical clearance. Out-of- state patients will be scheduled to see the internist 1-3 days prior to surgery although you will be asked to have certain tests performed in advance by your family physician and the results sent to the JRI’s internist for review. Your surgery may be postponed if you do not receive medical clearance and/or if you do not comply with the internist’s requirements.

Pre-operative Orthopaedic Examination

You will typically be seen in our clinic one to three days prior to your surgery. At this time we will review the proposed surgery with you and answer any last minute questions you may have. We will also review your medical evaluation, laboratory tests, x-rays, and obtain any additional tests or x-rays that are necessary. If you have blood transferred from another blood bank we will check that it has arrived. You will need to sign a surgical consent and, if applicable, a consent to participate in a clinical trial. Finally, you will be directed to the hospital’s "Pre-Op" unit for pre-admission and instructions. The nurse will give you instructions for the evening before your surgery and show you where to report the morning of your surgery. If you do not live locally and wish to stay in the area on the night before surgery, please ask our office for assistance at the time you schedule surgery. The hospital has complimentary guest rooms available on a first- come, first-served basis for your convenience which we can reserve for you or we can provide information regarding nearby hotels.

It is imperative that you not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 AM) the night before surgery. This helps to prevent potential nausea and vomiting from occurring during surgery which could cause complications.

What to Bring to the Hospital

The most important item to bring is a pair of comfortable, sturdy bedroom slippers with non-skid soles! The Physical and Occupational Therapy Department will provide a walker or crutches, raised toilet seat, reacher and other equipment as needed. If you already have this equipment, please bring it with you. To enhance your postoperative therapy, a knee-length robe or gown is recommended. Do not bring floor-length robes as they make walking difficult. Ladies may want to bring a camisole or lightweight cotton shirt to wear under the hospital gown for added warmth. Leave all jewelry at home! A package containing personal care items is provided although you may want to bring your own hair brush. Loose fitting pajamas or sweats are useful to wear on the way home as are a comfortable pair of shoes. Program guides for television viewing are available. Of course, good reading material may help pass the time more quickly! If you take medication for any condition other than your arthritis, then be sure to bring it with you to the hospital, or bring a list of your medications and dosages with you to the hospital.