What happens during surgery?

The hospital reserves approximately 3 hours for surgery. Some of this time will be taken by the operating room staff to prepare for surgery.

Most patients have spinal anesthetic for surgery which numbs your legs but does not require you to be fully asleep. Some patients have general anesthetic, which most people call “being put to sleep” for surgery. You will discuss these options further when you meet with an anesthesia provider prior to surgery.

Will the surgery be painful?

You will have some discomfort following surgery, but our goal is to keep your pain level at a 0-4/10. This pain level will allow you to be able to eat, sleep, walk and do your exercises so that you can recover comfortably.

Pain after surgery is quite variable from person to person, and not entirely predictable, but advancement in medication and improved anesthetic techniques greatly enhance our ability to control pain and discomfort after surgery.

How long and where will my scar be?

If you have a knee replacement, surgical scars will vary in length, but most surgeons will make it as short as possible. It will be straight down the center of your knee, unless you have previous scars, in which case your surgeon may use an existing scar. There may be lasting numbness around the scar.

If you have a hip replacement, There are a number of different techniques used for hip replacement surgery.The type of technique will determine the exact location and length of the scar.

Please note that there may be some numbness around the scar after it is healed. This is perfectly normal and should not cause any concern. The numbness usually disappears with time.

Will I need a walker, crutches or cane?

We recommend all patients begin by using a front wheeled walker immediately following surgery. Patients generally progress from a walker to a cane then to no assistive device.

Patients progress at their own rate and wide variability exists for how long a patient will use an assistive device. This determination will be made on an individual basis based on each patient’s progress.

You may ask your surgeon or program manager about this for more specifics. The program manager can help you obtain these assistive devices if necessary.

Where will I go after discharge from the hospital?

Most patients are able to go home directly after their hospital stay. Some patients may transfer to a sub-acute rehab facility, where they will stay until they are safe to discharge home.

Will I need help at home?

Yes. We recommend that all patients have someone available to assist them all of the time for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Depending on your progress, you will need someone to assist you with meal preparation, household chores and possibly daily activities and medication management.

Preparing ahead of time, before your surgery, can minimize the amount of help needed. Having the laundry done, house cleaned, yard work completed, clean linens put on the bed, and frozen meals prepared will help reduce the need for extra help.

Talk to your coach, relatives, friends and even neighbors, to determine who can help you and in what capacity when you return home.

Will I need physical therapy when I go home?

For patients with a total knee replacement: Yes, you will be scheduled for outpatient therapy. If medically necessary, arrangements for home health physical therapy will be made instead, but you must meet certain criteria to qualify for this type of care.

The length of time spent with physical therapy varies widely and is dependent on patient progress and long-term goals. In general, expect to participate with outpatient physical therapy for approximately six weeks after total knee replacement.

For patients with a total hip replacement: You will need to discuss this with your surgeon. If you do not have formalized outpatient therapy, you will still be expected to complete your daily home exercise program two times/day.

Will my new knee or hip set off security sensors when traveling?

Your joint replacement is made of a metal alloy and may or may not be detected when going through some security devices. Inform the security agent you have a metal implant. The agent will direct you on the security screening procedure.