Answers to the most common questions before and after joint replacement surgery with Dr. Kee.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.
You may be a good candidate if you have severe arthritis significantly impacting your quality of life and non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, and you are medically optimized for surgery. The final decision is made after a thorough evaluation of your history, exam, imaging, and overall health.
High medical risk factors include severe cardiopulmonary disease, recent heart attack or stroke requiring blood thinners that cannot be paused, poorly controlled diabetes (A1c >7.5), significant anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL), or active illicit drug use. We work closely with your physicians to optimize your health before surgery.
Key surgical risk factors include BMI >45, heavy alcohol use (more than 7 drinks per day), and nicotine use in any form (smoking, vaping, pouches).
Higher BMI increases the distance from skin to the joint, leading to longer operative times, larger incisions, and greater risk of wound complications. Studies show infection risk is often 3–5 times higher in patients with BMI >40, along with higher risk of implant loosening. We evaluate this individually and discuss optimization strategies when appropriate.
Nicotine from any source — smoking, vaping, pouches — constricts blood vessels and impairs healing. It is associated with higher rates of wound complications, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, and implant loosening. We routinely screen for nicotine use and offer cessation support before elective surgery.
Metal allergies (particularly to nickel, cobalt, or chromium) are relatively uncommon but important to discuss. During your consultation we will review your history and may order patch testing. Most modern implants are highly biocompatible, and true allergic reactions causing failure are rare. In cases of confirmed significant allergy, alternatives such as ceramic or oxidized zirconium (ceramicized) components are available. We will work with you to choose the safest implant for your situation.
Modern hip, knee, and shoulder replacements typically last 25+ years for the majority of patients. Longevity depends on your age, activity level, weight, and implant type. Many patients never need a revision, but we monitor your implant at regular follow-up visits.
Possibly. Most patients receive a wallet card confirming they have a metal implant. Inform the TSA agent and they will use a handheld wand or pat-down. Newer full-body scanners usually do not trigger alarms.
Yes, many patients can safely go home the same day if they can walk with a walker, use the restroom independently, have minimal nausea or pain, and have a safe home environment. Same-day discharge allows you to recover in familiar surroundings and reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections.
You are most vulnerable during the first 1–2 weeks. We recommend having a family member, friend, or caregiver available at least a couple of times per day to help with meals, mobility, and daily activities.
Your insurance provider determines eligibility. Requirements vary — some plans need a minimum hospital stay and PT evaluation, others require pre-authorization. We work with you and your family to create the safest recovery plan possible.
No. You may participate in all activities as tolerated.
There is no strict timeline. You must be off all narcotic pain medications and feel safe and confident behind the wheel. When ready, begin with someone else in the car as a precaution.
You must be off all narcotic pain medications before returning to work. Most patients return around 6 weeks after surgery depending on job type. This will be discussed at your 2-week and 8-week follow-up appointments.
Most patients begin physical therapy the day of or the day after surgery. Your first outpatient PT appointment is typically scheduled 2–5 days after discharge. We will provide your specific PT schedule before you leave the hospital. Early mobilization is key to a successful recovery.
Low-impact activities — walking, swimming, cycling, golf — are usually encouraged early. Higher-impact activities such as running, tennis, and skiing can often be resumed after 3–6 months once strength and range of motion are restored. We provide personalized guidance based on your goals and progress.
Typical follow-up schedule:
X-rays are usually taken at these visits to monitor healing and implant position.
Yes, swelling is normal and can persist for several weeks. It is usually worst during the first week. Contact our clinic if swelling or bruising seems excessive or is accompanied by other concerns.
Some breakthrough bleeding with increased activity is common and typically improves with rest, ice, and compression. Contact our clinic or nurse coordinator for guidance on dressing changes or to triage any concerns.
Yes. While outer bandages are in place, use a cast cover to keep them dry. Within about 7 days after surgery you may remove all dressings except the mesh on the skin and shower. Use unscented soap and avoid scrubbing the incision or submerging it in water.
You will receive a multimodal pain management plan that may include acetaminophen (Tylenol), an anti-inflammatory if appropriate, a short course of narcotic pain medication, and nerve pain medication if needed. Our goal is to minimize narcotic use while keeping you comfortable.
Call our office at (979) 207-4369 for refills. Please allow 2–3 business days for processing. If you will run out near a weekend or holiday, call early.
Take medication with food and stay well hydrated. Use the prescribed anti-nausea medication as directed. If severe nausea prevents eating or drinking, contact our office. After hours, call our on-call provider at 800-724-7037.
Aspirin is prescribed to prevent blood clots, not for pain control. Please continue all medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise.
You will be prescribed a blood thinner — often aspirin or a stronger medication — for several weeks after surgery. Early walking, ankle pumps, and compression stockings also help reduce risk. We will review your specific protocol before discharge.
Stay well hydrated and take prescribed laxatives as directed. If you have no bowel movement after three days, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. An enema may be needed.
Stay well hydrated. If you have not urinated within 24 hours, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. A urology evaluation may be required.
Keep the catheter clean and in place. You should have a urology appointment within the week for removal. Contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369 if you have not heard from urology within 48 hours.
A low-grade fever (up to 101.5°F) is common. If fever exceeds 101.5°F and does not improve within 2–3 hours after Tylenol, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. After hours, call 800-724-7037.
We always start with conservative care when appropriate. Options may include physical therapy, activity modification and weight management, oral medications (anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen), steroid injections, gel injections for select patients, and bracing or assistive devices. We only recommend surgery when these measures no longer provide meaningful relief and quality of life is significantly affected.
Yes, we offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. While popular, high-quality evidence for long-term benefit in advanced arthritis is still limited. We focus on proven treatments and will discuss realistic expectations. If you are interested in PRP, we can explore this further during your clinic visit.
Gel injections (hyaluronic acid) can provide temporary pain relief for some patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis. Results vary widely — some patients experience months of improvement, others notice little benefit. They are generally not effective for severe (bone-on-bone) arthritis. We will discuss whether this is a reasonable option based on your imaging and symptoms.