Every patient has questions before surgery.
Some questions are about the operation. Others are about recovery, travel, medications, or simply what life will look like afterward. Below are the answers to the questions I hear most often in clinic.
Modern implants are remarkably durable.
Several factors influence longevity:
The goal is one successful operation that provides decades of pain relief and improved function.
Take care of your joint replacement, and it will usually take care of you.
Hip and knee replacements contain metal.
If additional screening is needed, simply tell airport security that you have a joint replacement.
You do not usually need a special implant card.
Most travelers move through airport security without difficulty.
Joint replacement implants do not prevent MRI studies.
The metal may create some image distortion immediately around the implant itself.
MRIs of other parts of the body remain routine.
Always let the imaging center know you have a joint replacement before your study.
Joint replacement should not limit future medical care.
This recommendation has changed over time.
Current research shows routine dental procedures are very unlikely to cause an infection in a hip or knee replacement.
Most patients therefore do not require preventive antibiotics.
Certain high-risk patients — including those with previous joint infections or significant immune compromise — may still benefit.
If you are unsure, call our office.
We'll review your medical history and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate.
If you have questions, ask. We're always happy to help.
Many patients are surprised to learn they do not always need general anesthesia.
For many hip and knee replacements, spinal anesthesia offers several advantages, including excellent pain control and a smoother early recovery.
Your anesthesia team will review your health history and recommend the safest option for you.
The safest anesthesia is the one tailored to you.
Advances in surgical technique, blood conservation strategies, and medications have dramatically reduced the need for transfusions.
Although transfusions are still occasionally necessary, they are far less common than they were years ago.
Your blood count will be monitored throughout your recovery.
Modern joint replacement is associated with much less blood loss than many patients expect.
Patients often focus on incision length.
While smaller incisions sound appealing, the priority is performing a safe, accurate operation.
The size of the incision depends on:
A well-healed scar is much less important than a well-functioning joint replacement.
A good operation is remembered long after the scar fades.
We work with every patient to optimize health before surgery.
Important steps include:
Fortunately, infection after modern joint replacement is uncommon.
Preparation starts before surgery.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you develop:
Most patients never experience these problems, but recognizing them early is important.
When in doubt, call us. We would rather answer a simple question than have you worry at home.
The operation is only one part of the process.
Excellent results also depend on:
Most patients continue improving for many months after surgery.
The goal is not simply replacing a joint.
The goal is helping you return to the life you enjoy.
Great outcomes happen when preparation, surgery, and recovery all work together.
Whether you're preparing for surgery or just starting to explore your options, schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Jadye Kee.