Tips for Successful Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee and hip replacements are commonly the most performed joint replacements, and surgeons perform about one million procedures annually. Patients can take active steps to improve total joint replacement outcomes if they make specific lifestyle changes before the procedure.

Improving Chances of a Successful Joint Replacement

1. Find safe ways to lose weight. Proper nutrition, exercise and education are essential in helping patients maintain or attain a healthy weight before surgery.
2. Make sure chronic conditions like diabetes are under control. Talk to your primary care physician about your glycemic control. Your HgA1C should be less than 7.5 before you have hip or knee replacement surgery.
3. Do not use nicotine products. Your hip or knee procedure will be more successful if you stop smoking cigarettes and cigars and do not use chewing tobacco at least six weeks before surgery.
4. Stop taking narcotics. Cease taking all narcotic pain medication at least 14 days before surgery.
5. Reduce or stop using alcohol. Heavy alcohol can alter the effects of anesthesia.
6. Call your doctor about illness. Patients who become ill with a cold, fever or influenza in the days before surgery should contact their doctor.

How Does Obesity Impact Total Joint Replacement?

Being overweight or obese is a worldwide health issue. Obesity is one of the highest risks of joint replacement surgery because it increases the likelihood of post-surgical complications like instability and infection. Studies show that even patients who have bariatric surgery to help them lose weight may still have significant complications after the joint replacement procedure.

“We think it may have something to do with the bariatric patients’ underlying system, such as their gut microbiome and underlying genetic host variation,” said Matthew Abdel, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic. “Even though they lost the weight, the soft tissues and underlying collagen status were still of their original nature.”

What May or May Not Help Knee or Hip Replacement

Certain changes will not improve the outcome of total joint replacement, like using wound creams, taking vitamins and supplements or using electrical stimulation. Other changes like pre- or post-operative physical therapy may or may not be effective in improving knee or hip replacement outcomes.

Call Local Orthopedist for Consultation

Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of a knee or hip replacement? Our board-certified orthopedists can help you manage joint pain and discuss options for surgery if necessary. Joint pain does not need to be a part of your everyday life.

Our network of nationwide bone and joint centers is ready to serve you and meet your specific needs. Call today and make an appointment.