FAQs
Total Joint Care
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a total joint surgeon or want to learn more about the physicians, please contact The Steadman Clinic or Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery direct for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you work and play hard and therefore your joints have suffered the consequences and now have degenerative changes. When the cartilage damage is severe, and pain limits activity, you and your surgeon may agree that a replacement is necessary. Joint replacement therapy is considered to relieve pain and restore function when all other treatment options have failed and you are healthy to undergo surgery. Learn more about recovery and rehabilitation.
Age is not an issue if you are in reasonably good health and have the desire to continue to live an active healthy lifestyle. You may be asked to see your primary care physician for surgical clearance prior to surgery.
Most often, the replacement will be loose or wearing of the plastic spacer occurs.
Most surgeries do not have complications however infection or blood clots are the major concerns. Precautions are taken pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively to reduce these risks.
You will have discomfort following the surgery, but we will keep you comfortable with multiple different approaches to manage pain including appropriate medications.
Yes, you should complete the preparation exercises in this booklet as detailed prior to surgery or consult your local physical therapists.
Most patients go home directly after surgery or stay locally to begin outpatient physical therapy. Some patients will discharge home with home health therapy and/or nursing care.
Yes. You should have your Care Partner designated and fully prepared to assist you at home for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
There are 2 options after surgery.
*ONLY MEDICALLY ELIGIBLE PATIENTS DISCHARGE TO A SKILLED FACILITY FOR FURTHER THERAPY AND RECOVERY*
- Return home with your Care Partner and begin outpatient physical therapy when indicated by your surgeon.
- Return home with your Care Partner and begin home health therapy and/or nursing care.
*ONLY MEDICALLY ELIGIBLE PATIENTS DISCHARGE TO A SKILLED FACILITY FOR FURTHER THERAPY AND RECOVERY*
Your orthopaedic surgeon as well as assistant(s) on their team will perform your surgery.
Most patients leave the same day of surgery or the next morning. Getting up the same day of surgery helps to decrease the risk of complications, the amount of time spent in the hospital and helps overall wellbeing.
Yes. For 1-2 weeks you will need to use one of the listed assistive devices until you are able to wean safely without limping. Your physical therapist and/or orthopaedic surgeon will instruct you in how to wean safely during therapy appointments or your surgeon follow-up appointment.
If you desire, you may inquire about equipment to assist with dressing yourself independently with grabbers, reachers or sock aides.
Until you are off of narcotic pain medications and feel safe to operate your operative leg for pedal operation unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
You should notify your dentist you have received a joint replacement. Your dentist and surgeon will make appropriate recommendations if you will need antibiotics prior to all dental surgery for the rest of your life.
Everyone is unique in the time needed to recover to return to their specific work duties. If you are able to perform your job within your surgical restrictions, you may return as soon as you feel well and with your assistive device. If you are unable to complete your job duties within your restrictions, consult your physical therapist or surgeon to help outline a timeline for return to work.
You may resume sexual activity when you feel well enough to do so.
You will have a 2 week and a 6 or 12 week follow up with your surgeon or a team member.
Your specific pain medication instructions will be provided to you upon discharge from surgery.
Alcohol should be avoided while you are taking pain medications as alcohol can alter the effect of medications.
You will wear these stockings for 2 weeks after surgery. It is recommended to take the stockings off every day for 1 hour for washing and performing skin checks.
Depending on your surgery, most patients attend physical therapy 2-3 times per week. Physical Therapy helps to decrease pain and swelling, focuses on joint restoration, and returning to full function. Your surgeon will determine if post-operative physical therapy is right for you.
