The first step in the joint replacement process is an office consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Call the Center for Total Joint Replacement at (650) 853-2018 to make an appointment. At your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your individual needs, conduct an examination, recommend if surgery is needed and provide you with more information about surgery.

Preoperative Care

Joint replacement is a major surgical procedure, and your decision to proceed with the operation is important. After your consultation, you and your family should take time to evaluate if the choice is right for you. When you are ready to move forward, call us, and one of our nurses will schedule a date for your operation.

Prior to the operation, you will need to have a check-up from a primary care doctor to get medical clearance for surgery. You may see either your own doctor or we can recommend a primary care doctor at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The check-up will generally include a physical examination, heart tests, X-rays, blood tests and a urine analysis. We may also ask you to see a dentist to check for tooth or gum problems, as germs in your mouth can migrate and infect the replacement joint.

Prior to surgery, you can donate one or two units of blood, in case it is needed during the operation.

Surgery

Your joint replacement surgery will last about 60 to 90 minutes. Prior to surgery, you will discuss anesthesia options with the anesthesiologist who will attend your surgery.

Because infection of the joint replacement site can cause serious complications, the teams at PAMF take special precautions to ensure the sterility of the operating room. You will receive antibiotics to kill bacteria on your body, and surgeons will wear special suits to prevent the spread of bacteria from their bodies. An air current is also blown through the room to keep bacteria out of the surgical field.

Recovery and Follow-Up

After a hip or knee replacement, most people stay in the hospital for approximately three days. After the initial recovery, you will be discharged home or to a skilled nursing facility, depending on your individual needs.

Physical therapy is vital for a successful recovery from joint replacement surgery. Your physical therapy will begin in the hospital on the day after surgery and continue intensively for several weeks. If necessary, our team help you find a physical therapy provider close to where you live. Recovery time depends on the complexity of surgery, with most patients attaining some recovery within 12 weeks.

Our doctors will visit you regularly while you are in the hospital or skilled nursing facility to check your postoperative progress. Later, you will have follow-up visits with your surgeon at one, three and six months post-surgery and every one to two years thereafter.

Potential Complications

Joint replacement operations are successful and long-lasting for more than 90 percent of patients. Nevertheless, joint replacement is major surgery, and like any operation carries risks and potential complications. Your surgeon will discuss these factors with you at your initial consultation.

Complications from joint replacement surgery are extremely rare, but can include the following:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Leg length discrepancy

Your Individual Surgery

Each patient has different needs when it comes to joint replacement, and your preoperative consultation will include a detailed discussion about what you can expect from your surgery and recovery. The PAMF medical team is here to assist you throughout your treatment and follow-up. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns you may have.