You may need routine blood tests, urinalysis, a physical examination, and – if you’re over 50 or your orthopaedic surgeon thinks they are advisable – an electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray. Your own doctor or the hospital where you’ll have the surgery may perform these preoperative tests and evaluations.

You may also be asked to donate blood prior to joint replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will specify exactly which tests and evaluations you will need and when you should have them, as well as recommend that you stop taking certain medications before your surgery. You should also discuss your postoperative treatment plan with your surgeon at this time.

The standard surgery may take from 1 to 2 hours, and you may spend about the same amount of time in the recovery room.

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Preparing for a total joint replacement begins weeks before the actual surgery date. In general, you may be told to:

• Consider autologous blood donation: while some total joint procedures do not require blood transfusion, it is possible that you may need blood during or after surgery. To avoid using donor blood, you may donate your own blood ahead of time (autologous donation).
• Begin exercising under a physician’s supervision: it is important to be in the best possible overall health to help promote the best possible surgical experience. Increasing upper body strength is important because of the need to use a walker or crutches after hip or knee replacement. Strengthening the lower body is also key because increasing leg strength before surgery can reduce recovery time.
• Have a general physical examination: if you are considering total joint replacement, you should be evaluated by your primary care physician to assess overall health and identify any medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or recovery.
• Have a dental examination: although infections after joint replacement are not common, an infection can occur if bacteria enters your bloodstream. Therefore, dental procedures such as extractions and periodontal work should be completed before joint replacement surgery.
• Stop taking certain medications: your orthopaedic surgeon can advise you which over-the-counter and prescription medications should not be taken before surgery.
• Stop smoking: a good idea at any time, but particularly before major surgery in order to help reduce the risk of post-operative lung problems and improve healing.
• Lose weight: if you are overweight, losing weight will help reduce stress on the new joint.
• Arrange a pre-op visit: an important opportunity to meet with healthcare professionals at the hospital to discuss your personal hospital care plan, including anesthesia, preventing complications, pain control, and diet.
• Have routine laboratory tests: blood tests, urine tests, an EKG or cardiogram, and chest X-ray may be prescribed to confirm that you are fit for surgery.
• Evaluate post-surgical needs for at-home care: every patient who undergoes total joint replacement will need help at home for the first few weeks, including assistance with preparing meals and transportation.

Download and print our Pre-op Class Information.