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.