Joint replacement surgery is becoming more common- but that doesn’t mean the decision to have hip surgery or knee surgery is any easier!
For most people, knowing what to expect during and after surgery takes a lot of the uncertainty out of the decision-making process. Here are eight questions you should ask your surgeon to help you feel more confident in your own decision-making process:
1. How do I know I’m “ready” for joint replacement surgery? Are there nonsurgical alternatives that could be just as effective?
Surgery usually isn’t recommended until nonsurgical alternatives have been exhausted. And once those nonsurgical options have been ruled out, that typically means you’re “ready” for joint replacement surgery. But there’s no harm in asking your doctor about potential alternatives.
2. Is there any problem with putting off joint replacement surgery?
It’s safe to say pretty much no one looks forward to surgery (although you may look forward to the outcome). But studies show outcomes tend to be better – and recovery tends to be faster – when surgery is performed earlier, before there is an increase in muscle and tendon stiffness which can be more difficult – and painful – to recover from post-surgery. Of course, everyone is different, and asking this question will help you feel more confident about the timing of your procedure.
3. What is the surgical procedure like?
Yes, you’ll be “asleep” during the surgery – but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to know what the surgery involves. In fact, understanding the steps of the surgery – as well as the technologies being utilized and whether your procedure will use an “open” approach or a minimally-invasive technique – will help you understand a bit more of what you can expect during recovery and how your new joint will “work” to support normal, pain-free movement.
4. How safe is the surgery? What are the potential complications?
Your surgeon will review all the possible complications associated with the procedure, and you’ll also be educated on the right things to do to minimize complications both before and after surgery. But remember: Total knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery have been safely performed for decades. Any type of surgery has the potential for complications, but for joint replacement surgery, the risks are statistically very low for most patients.
This being said, it is important to ask your surgeon about infection rates to ensure that the rate at your chosen care setting is below the National average. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgery, roughly only 1 in 100 patients undergoing hip replacement or knee replacement surgery develop an infection after the operation, but it still can be comforting to know that your chosen orthopedic surgeon and care setting can demonstrate an infection rate lower than the National average.
5. What happens after my surgery? How long will it be before I am able to go home?
Not knowing what to expect in the early recovery period is one of the most common concerns among knee replacement patients. And it is a valid concern – the early recovery period can have a big impact on how quickly you heal and recover. In most settings, patients will return home between one to five days post-surgery.
Muve Health’s approach to joint replacement is designed for same-day patient discharge from the ASC. After discharge, we provide the option to transition from a patient to a “client” by taking advantage of a 48-hour post-discharge stay in our Muve Suites environment. The Muve Suites are a hotel-like setting designed to help kickstart clients’ post-op recovery periods. In this setting, physical therapy, getting on your feet early and often, and personalized care monitoring to help reduce discomfort are a major focus. Ongoing support from a personalized Muve Navigator – up to a year after your procedure – also means you have the guidance and help you need to achieve your long-term goals and focus on getting back to the activities you love.
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6. How many joint replacement surgeries have you performed? How many on people like me?
This is a question you should ask before any type of surgery since it helps you feel more confident in your doctor and it also allows the doctor to explain a little more about what you specifically can expect after your surgery, both in terms of your recovery and your long-term goals.
7. Will I be in a lot of pain? How long will it be before the pain starts to subside?
Pain is another common concern of patients, and for good reason – no one wants to be uncomfortable, and at the same time no one wants to find themselves relying on strong painkillers for a long period of time. Muve Health has developed a multimodal approach to pain management that helps minimize the use of opioid pain medication while working to promote the body’s own natural healing cycle through the use of aggressive physical therapy, personalized recovery planning, and in-depth education around optimizing the recovery process. Plus, Muve’s approach provides lots of guidance and dedicated care to help patients get – and stay – mobile early on, which helps reduce swelling and stiffness in and around the joint.
8. What types of activities will I be able to perform after my surgery? When will I be able to drive and care for myself? When can I get back to my regular routines?
Most people understand hip replacement or knee replacement surgery can help them be a lot more mobile, but not everyone understands what the timeline for early and full recovery from joint replacement may look like. Your surgeon will be able to “map out” what you can expect during recovery – what types of activities you’ll be able to enjoy and when – to help you anticipate and look forward to each major and minor improvement. As part of the Muve program, dedicated Muve Navigators will also work with you one-on-one to understand and to help plan for getting you back to the activities and lifestyle goals that mean the most to you.
Parting Thoughts…
The more you know about your surgery and your recovery, the more confident you’ll feel about your care and your outcome. Plus, informed patients are more likely to be actively involved in their recovery process, and that means they’re also more likely to get back to their regular routines more quickly.
Having knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery is a big decision, and one that can have a lasting and beneficial impact on your life. No matter where you are in your journey – pre-surgery or post-surgery – don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns.
*Professional services are provided by independent corporations and not by Muve Health.
**This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.