Hip & Knee Surgery Information
FAQs
Do I take my regular medication the day of surgery?
It depends on what it is. This will be covered when the anesthesia staff calls you the week prior to surgery (Refer to Day of Surgery page).
What do I do if my pain meds don't work?
Make sure you are icing, elevating and taking them as directed. If you are still having pain then call your doctor's office. Even if after hours, the office number should put you in touch with the doctor or PA on call to help you.
When can I drive?
It depends on whether you have your right hip or knee operated on, which is your driving leg. Right side surgery is usually at least one month and left side surgery is much quicker, usually when you are off narcotics.
What do I do for constipation?
Several non-medication related things are in order first: walking, fiber in your diet, prune juice and good hydration. If these aren't working please try stool softeners such as Colace or Dulcolax. If you have a history of constipation we would encourage taking a stool softener before and after surgery to help prevent issues after surgery.
Do I need antibiotics prior to dental procedures?
This is a controversial topic and you should check with your surgeon. If you are having any dental or GI procedures where bacteria might be encountered (such as a root canal) then it is wise to take antibiotics before hand. However, normal dental cleanings do not require antibiotics.
What does "elevate your leg" actually mean? How high is high enough?
This mainly applies to knee patients. The knee should ideally be elevated above the level of your heart.
What should I do if I have potential signs of infection such as low grade fever or slight redness or drainage around the incision?
A low grade fever ( < 101) is normal after surgery and is usually related to your lungs being slightly "collapsed" from sitting or laying around too much. You should use an incentive spirometer, provided by the surgical center, to help your lungs return to full capacity. A fever greater than 101, call your surgeon's office. For redness or drainage, you should also call you surgeons office for further instructions.
When do I take my dressing off?
You don't. Keep it on until your first post-op visit, usually ten days to two weeks.
Day of Surgery
• You should NOT have anything to EAT after midnight the evening prior to surgery.
• You may have clear liquids (water, clear sodas, clear apple juice only) up to 2 HOURS prior to your ARRIVAL time the morning of surgery. This would include clear liquids to take any medications as instructed. If you have consumed anything other than the clear liquids above, your surgery WILL BE RESCHEDULED.
• You may take ALL medications, unless you are a diabetic, with a small sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Diabetic patients: please do NOT take your diabetic medications (pills and/or insulin) the morning of surgery. We will check your blood sugar the morning of surgery and treat you accordingly. If you are hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) the morning of surgery, you may take a small amount of clear liquids (apple juice or ginger ale.) Please bring diabetic medications.
• If you cannot list your medications or do not know what they are, please bring them with you.
• Do not wear any makeup, lotion, perfume, jewelry, including any body piercing jewelry.
• DO NOT wear nail polish.
• Bring a picture ID, proof of current address and insurance card(s). Be prepared to pay your estimated financial responsibility. Leave all other valuables at home.
• Someone must remain in the building throughout your stay. If they must exit to the parking lot, a cell phone number must be left with front desk personnel.
Pain Control
Before Surgery
You will be given medications upon arrival at the surgical center that will help with post-op pain. If you are having a partial or total knee replacement, you will also be receiving a block of the nerve governing sensation to the leg which will keep the leg numb during and after surgery for 8-1 O hours which helps with post-op pain control.
During Surgery
You will most likely have spinal anesthesia for surgery, which will block feeling below the waste during surgery and after for a few hours. You will also be given several medications during surgery to help control post-op pain and nausea. Additionally, your surgeon will put in long-acting numbing medication around the surgery sight which should help for a couple days.
After Surgery Medications
You will receive the following medications to take at home:
• Gabapentin (a nerve pain reliever) orally three times a day
• Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory) orally twice a day
• Robaxin (a muscle relaxer) orally twice a day
• Oxycodone (a narcotic) 1 or 2 by mouth every 4 to 6 hours
• Zofran by mouth every 6-8 hours as needed for nausea
*You will also take Aspirin twice a day, but this is not for pain, but to prevent clots in your legs.*
Wound Control
Your wound has a dressing on it that is supposed to stay on until you return for your first doctor's appointment. If there is excessive drainage that comes out from under the dressing, reinforce it with some gauze and call your doctors office for instruction.
If there is any redness, please contact your doctors office. Infection is very rare, but your surgeon is happy to see you in the office to check the wound for any of these reasons.
Urgent Issues
If you suddenly become short of breath or have chest pain, call 911 and go to the hospital. If you are uncertain of whether you are dealing with an emergency, call your doctor's office and speak with someone.
Most issues that arise after outpatient total joint surgery are NOT emergencies and can be dealt with by calling your doctor's office and being seen in the office during working hours or in an urgent care after hours. The doctor on call will recommend an urgent care for you to go to if he feels you need to be seen.