Before Anything Else
Joint Replacement Timeline
There is a lot that needs to be done prior to your procedure. Sometimes it is difficult to keep it all in line.
Click this link to show you an estimated timeline of when certain tasks need to be completed.
Requirements Prior to Surgery Date
Pre-Operative Class Attendance
If this is your first joint replacement or it has been more than three years since your last joint replacement here at CPH you may be required to attend an in-person class to go over program expectations and visit information.
Please use the link below to sign-up for a class prior to your procedure.
Finding a Care Partner
We encourage everyone to designate a care partner and some surgeons might require you to have one. If you do not live with someone who can help you during your recovery process, you should start looking for a care partner who can stay with you for a minimum of 1-2 weeks after surgery. We encourage you to bring your care partner to the joint replacement class with you as it is a great opportunity to get answers to any questions or concerns they may have. Your care partner will need to be able to drive you home from the hospital, help you with basic needs around the house, and drive you to your physical therapy and post-op appointments as scheduled. If you need help finding a care partner please reach out to us.
Pre- & Post-operative Functional Assessments
At your appointment with your orthopedic specialist, someone from the staff may have talked to you about completing surveys that ask you questions about your joint symptoms and overall health. You have the opportunity to complete your physician’s surveys via the internet using the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) secure patient portal (website).
These surveys come from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and will tell your physician how you were functioning before and how you are functioning after your orthopedic surgery (1-year post-op survey will be sent). Your answers will help you and your physician better understand how you are doing. This information will also help improve care for patients undergoing similar orthopedic procedures. Your answers to the survey questions are protected and secure. The AAOS & AJRR system will only share your information with CPH’s Program Coordinators.
Please click the link below to see a sample email, and screenshot of the patient portal log-in page.
MRSA Swab (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
As part of your pre-op testing you will have a nasal swab done to test you for MRSA bacteria in your nasal passages. If you’re positive, your surgeon my request that you be decolonized prior to surgery. The CDC guidance for preventing MRSA infections includes several core and supplemental strategies to implement decolonization and pathogen reduction, including intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine bathing. You will be notified by your surgeon’s office if decolonization is necessary.
For more information on MRSA please review the following links:
CHG Wash
You will either be given 2 bottles of wash at your surgeon pre-op appointment or you will come pick them up at the Surgical Coordination Center. This wash has an antiseptic in it that clears off extra layers of germs. This is important because your surgeon is going to place a foreign object in you and we want to avoid an infection. Taking this step is your part in helping us to protect you. If you’re allergic to chlorhexidine, please notify your surgeon. You can alternatively use Dial® antibacterial soap.
Please click the following link for more information.
You can get more information about CHG by clicking on the link below.
Requirements Prior to Surgery Date
Carbohydrate Drink
The carbohydrate drink (Gatorade) is one of the enhance recovery after surgery tools we utilize to help optimize your perioperative medical care. Your surgical navigator will go over whether or not you are a candidate based on your medical & surgical history along with current medication you take. If you are a candidate, we recommend you take advantage of the opportunity. You will be given specific instructions closer to your surgery.
For more information, click on the following link.
Ambulating the Day of Your Surgery
Early ambulation is part of the enhanced recovery after surgery like the carbohydrate drink. This goal is an important one in your recovery as well as an important one.
For more information on what this means, clink the link.
Other Things You Will Find Helpful
Lending Closets
There is some adaptive equipment you will need to use right after surgery. All the equipment you may need or want will only be needed temporarily. If you do not already have this equipment available, we encourage you to borrow from family, friends or a lending closet.
The most commonly used equipment includes:
- 2 wheeled (or front wheeled) walker
- Toilet seat riser (with hand rest)
- Shower chair or shower bench
Other equipment might include:
- Cane
- Walking stick
- Crutch
- Shower rail
Click on the link to see a list of local lending closets and their contact information.
Emmi Engagement Online Education Modules
The Surgical Coordination Center will assign you Emmi Solutions Modules to be completed prior to your procedure. This education is meant to be done in conjunction with the in-person classes as both offer different information.
Please clink on the link to see more information about this opportunity to learn more about your surgery.
Emmi Engagement Online Education Modules
The Surgical Coordination Center will assign you Emmi Solutions Modules to be completed prior to your procedure. This education is meant to be done in conjunction with the in-person classes as both offer different information.
Please clink on the link to see more information about this opportunity to learn more about your surgery.
Emmi Engagement Education Modules
Hip Surgical Approaches and Their Precautions
There are certain ways you are allowed to move after a hip replacement surgery. These movements will depend on the approach (anterior or posterior) your surgeon does your replacement.
Anterior Approach Precautions
Posterior Approach Precautions
Local Pharmacies
Click on this link for information about the local pharmacies in Homer, Kenai, & Soldotna.