Your Partner in Advanced Joint Replacement Care
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we believe joint replacement surgery is more than a procedure. Whether you’re preparing for outpatient joint replacement or an overnight stay, our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of your journey with expert care, patient education and compassionate support. Use the information below to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery.
Anesthesia Options for Joint Replacement Surgery
As part of your partial or total joint replacement procedure, your care team will discuss the anesthesia option that is best for you. Both general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia allow you to remain completely asleep and unaware during surgery. However, spinal anesthesia is often recommended for joint replacement patients because it may provide a more comfortable recovery experience.
- General Anesthesia
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With general anesthesia, you are completely asleep during the procedure. A breathing tube or airway support device is typically required, and anesthesia gases are used to maintain unconsciousness. After surgery, it may take longer to fully wake up, and some patients experience nausea, grogginess or a sore throat during recovery.
- Spinal Anesthesia
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With spinal anesthesia, medication is administered through an injection in the lower back to temporarily numb the lower body. You remain asleep during surgery through intravenous (IV) sedation, similar to what is used for a colonoscopy. Most patients breathe on their own and usually do not require a breathing tube.
- Why We Often Recommend Spinal Anesthesia
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For many joint replacement patients, spinal anesthesia may offer several benefits, including:
- Improved comfort and faster recovery
- Reduced risk of nausea and vomiting
- Less grogginess after surgery
- Faster return to normal activities
- Better pain control immediately following the procedure
Your anesthesiologist will review your health history and discuss the safest and most appropriate option for your individual needs.
Helping You Feel Prepared at Every Step
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Our anesthesiologist, Dr. Joseph Pierson, helps you understand what to expect when getting anesthesia before orthopedic surgery.
This video offers detailed instructions for what a patient can expect when they have an orthopedic procedure including pre-op, anesthesia information and post-op care, including support from a nurse navigator.
Before Surgery FAQs
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Q:Question: Who needs to clear me for surgery?
A:Answer:You'll need medical clearance from your primary care provider and, if needed, specialists involved in your care.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerMost patients need medical clearance from their primary care doctor before surgery. Depending on your health history, additional clearance may be required from specialists such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or oncologist. If you do not have a primary care provider, a hospital-based physician may be available to complete your medical clearance.
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Q:Question: How do I get a handicap placard?
A:Answer:If you need a handicap placard after surgery, your surgeon's office can assist you with the required documentation and next steps.
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Q:Question: If I'm going home after a same-day joint replacement, when will I be discharged?
A:Answer:Because procedure times vary, we recommend planning for an early arrival and a late afternoon discharge. Your discharge time will be based on your ability to safely meet goals related to eating, using the restroom and physical therapy. Most patients are able to go home a few hours after arriving to their recovery room.
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Q:Question: What is Hibiclens and where can I purchase it for surgery?
A:Answer:Hibiclens is a medical-grade antiseptic skin cleanser used to help reduce bacteria on the skin.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYou use it on your whole body except for your face and private areas. It can be purchased at drug stores or online via Amazon.
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Q:Question: Should I prepare my home for knee or hip replacement surgery?
A:Answer:Yes, having your home prepared for surgery will help with your recovery.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerPatients should move items that will be used frequently into reach, remove tripping hazards like rugs, and some patients find meal preparation helpful for the first few days at home.
Surgery Day FAQs
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Q:Question: What time should I arrive?
A:Answer:Patients will arrive two hours before their scheduled surgery time to allow for check-in and pre-op preparation.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYou will receive a call from our team the afternoon before your surgery with your arrival time and instructions.
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Q:Question: What should I bring?
A:Answer:Bring your photo ID and insurance card. You can also bring a form of payment for prescriptions if your surgeon utilizes our outpatient hospital pharmacy.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerWear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid jewelry and makeup and leave your valuables at home. Bring a list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements.
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Q:Question: What are my eating and drinking instructions?
A:Answer:Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless your doctor or the pre-admission testing RN gives different instructions.
After Surgery FAQs
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Q:Question: When can I go back to work?
A:Answer:If you work from home, you can start when you feel ready. If you need to drive, wait until your surgeon clears you.
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Q:Question: How soon can I walk?
A:Answer:The day of surgery. The clinical team will do an assessment to ensure walking is safe. Most patients are walking within two hours of arriving to their room.
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Q:Question: What walking aid should I use after joint replacement?
A:Answer:We recommend using a front-wheeled walker for the first few weeks.
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Q:Question: If I stay overnight, when will I be discharged?
A:Answer:We aim to discharge patients between 11 am and 1 pm the next day after your therapy session.
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Q:Question: What should I do about transportation to get back home?
A:Answer:You will not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure a responsible adult is available to take you home.