Total-Joint-Arthroplasty-Guidebooks-2020

Do’s and Don’ts for the Rest of Your Life People who have had joint replacement surgery need to have a regular exercise program to maintain their fitness and the health of the muscles around their joints. You will need to engage in a regular exercise program. Speak with your physical therapist or surgeon for details. High impact activities such as running, and singles tennis may put too much load on the joint and are generally not recommended.

After your Discharge You will be on anticoagulation (blood-thinning medications) during your hospital stay and usually for several weeks after surgery. This may include aspirin. Take as directed.

Handwashing/Infection Prevention Every surgical wound must be considered “contaminated” with your normal skin bacteria. The area for the incision is thoroughly scrubbed and prepped before surgery, but your normal skin bacteria eventually returns. You will receive an IV antibiotic for the first 24 hours following surgery to help your immune system resist an infection, but it is your individual immune system which determines your risk for a wound infection. Hand washing is the number one way to avoid an infection. It is important that everyone caring for you, including your family and friends, wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol gel upon entering your room. We encourage you to ask anyone who enters your room, “Did you wash your hands?” It is also important that you also wash your hands after using the bathroom and before and after eating.

24 | Total Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery