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The inpatient hospital stay for surgery and initial physical therapy is usually three days with the Methodist Joint Replacement Center's program. But the entire process, from initial consultation to completion of outpatient physical therapy takes several months.
The Joint Care Coordinator will help with everything.
2-6 weeks before surgery
- Pre-register
- Begin special exercise program to strengthen joints and help speed recovery.
- Contact your insurance company to make sure all requirements (referrals, second opinions etc.) have been met.
- Get medical clearance for surgery from your primary care physician.
- Get the laboratory tests required by your surgeon.
2-3 weeks before surgery
- Attend a one-day preoperative class.
- Donate blood to be used in your surgery if your surgeon recommends it.
- Stop smoking.
- Start iron and/or vitamin supplements, as recommended by your surgeon.
- Read the information on patients' rights and anesthesia provided at preregistration.
1-2 weeks before surgery
- Stop taking any medications that increase bleeding.
- Prepare your home for your return from the hospital. (Clean, do the laundry, pick up throw rugs, tack down loose carpeting, remove electrical cords and other obstructions from hallways and other areas where they might be tripping hazards, Put nightlights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery for the time you will be in the hospital, or arrange to have someone pick them up for you. Put some single-serving meals in the freezer.
2 days before surgery
- Shower with the special soap provided
- Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.
- Find out your arrival time at the hospital (the preadmission department will call you with this).
The day before surgery
- Shower with the special soap provided
- Do not smoke.
- Do not eat or drink anything or chew gum after midnight.
- Pack the clothes and items you will need (a list will be provided).
Day of Surgery
Postoperative days 1-2
- Begin walking with a walker or crutch.
- Multiple physical therapy sessions.
Postoperative Days 2-3
- Discharge to home (some patients, and those without family caregivers to assist for the first week, may go to a rehabilitation center for 3-6 days).
1-2 weeks after surgery
- Begin moderate exercise regimen (20 minutes twice a day).
- Gradually assume homemaking tasks.
- Bathe and dress independently.
- Wear special stockings to reduce swelling and the possibility of developing blood clots.
2-4 weeks after surgery
- Go from a walker or crutches to a cane.
- Exercise more strenuously (20 minutes twice a day).
- Begin driving.
4-6 weeks after surgery
- Continue home exercise program.
- Actively bend knee 110°.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- Walk with no cane and without a limp.
- Climb stairs normally.
- Improve strength to 80%.
- Resume activities like dancing, bowling and golf.
- Bend knee to 120°.
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