Your doctor and healthcare team will provide you with information to help you prepare for surgery. Never hesitate to ask questions. The following list of questions can help you in your discussions with your doctor before your surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This article answers some frequently asked questions about post-operative care for joint replacement patients who have limited social support and/or financial means. This information can help patients prepare for their surgery and recovery to ensure safe and successful outcomes.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
By planning ahead for your joint replacement procedure, you can help ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. This video will help you get started.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Before your joint replacement surgery, your doctor will discuss anesthesia with you. The selection of anesthesia is a major decision that could have a significant impact on your recovery. It deserves careful consideration and discussion with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Studies show that obese patients are more likely to experience serious complications both during and after joint replacement surgery. If you need help losing weight and lowering your BMI before joint replacement surgery, talk to your primary care doctor.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most hospitals and surgery centers use this important checklist—or a variation of it—to improve safety and outcomes for their patients.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Any infection in your body can spread to your joint replacement. This video explains how joint replacement infection may occur in the wound or deep around the prosthesis. It may happen while in the hospital or after you go home.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many people are not aware that smoking often leads to poorer outcomes from orthopaedic surgery. Smokers also have a higher rate of complications after surgery than nonsmokers. In fact, smoking may be the single most important factor in postoperative complications.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein. It can develop after any major surgery and commonly occurs in the thigh or calf. This video discusses ways to prevent blood clots after orthopaedic surgery.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Before your orthopaedic surgery, provide your doctor with an up-to-date list of all your medications—along with their dosages. Be sure to tell your medical team about all the medicines and supplements you are taking.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
It is important to be in the best health condition possible before your surgery. Work with your primary care physician and your surgeon to make sure any chronic conditions — such as diabetes or high blood pressure — are under control.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A series of printable PDF handouts addressing some of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and treatments in plain, straightforward language. Handouts can be printed and used as they are—or they can be easily customized with a practice logo.| orthoinfo.aaos.org