PRE-OP
Knee & HIp

  • Typically pre-op appointments are made 3 weeks prior to your surgery. Someone from the clinic will call you to confirm your pre-op appointment. Your pre-op appointment will take place at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana -Shreveport located at 1500 Line Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71101.

  • Please allow for 2-4 hours for your pre-op appointment. We strongly encourage a loved one to come with you to help you assimilate all the information.

  • Do you have to fast? What should I wear?

    Please bring your photo ID and your insurance information. You may also want to bring a book or ipad. Even though you will have some blood work completed, you do not have to fast... feel free to bring some snacks and water. We also have a snack shop, if you would like to purchase on site. Wear loose easy fitting clothing and you may want to have a sweater or sweatshirt... the clinic and hospital run a bit on the chilly

    www.jnjmedtech.com

  • The clinic and hospital maintain separate and different medical record systems, thus, you must complete all necessary forms for the hospital and clinic separately. We recommend that prior to your pre-op visit, you visit: specialistshospitalshreveport.com/patient portal

Knee & Hip Replacement

Pre-op appointment

Your Pre-Op Day Appointment Schedule

1) CT Scan

When you first arrive, you will check in at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana (Suite 101), to have your pre-operative CT Scan.

2) Clinic H & P

You will meet with the physician assistant in clinic during your pre-op visit. They will complete a history and physical and answer any questions about your upcoming surgery. if you require a walker, the clinic will issue one to you at your clinic visit.

3) Labs/ Blood work

You will go to Specialists Pre-Admit/ Lab (Suite 202) for blood work and pre-admit testing.

You do not have to fast prior to your blood work. Prior to your visit, please complete your hospital registration forms at:

specialistshospitalshreveport.com/patient portal

A note about exercising prior to your surgery:

We know it may be difficult to exercise prior to surgery...BUT, it is still a good idea to get into the "exercise" mindset. Try to dedicate at least 15-30 minutes a day to exercise or strengthening exercises. Setting aside this time will help to prepare you for your recovery following your surgery. If you would like some pre-operative exercise guidelines, we are happy to provide an exercise booklet or make suggestions.

POST OP

Knee & HIp

  • Dedicate at least 20-30 minute a day to exercise. You can break this up into shorter time intervals throughtot the day.

  • You can shower immediately once home.

    NO TUB baths for (4) weeks after surgery!

  • DERMABOND PRINEO System is used instead of staples or stitches to close your skin incision after surgery. It consists of a lightweight mesh that's applied over your incision, then coated with a skin adhesive to create a strong, flexible seal that protects against water and bacteria. To learn more about DERMABOND PRINEO System, visit:

    www.jnjmedtech.com

  • If your swelling is under control, you may remove your white stockings once you are at home. If swelling persists, wearing your compression stockings, while elevating the leg will help.

    You may experience warmth at the incision site, mild swelling and run a low grade fever post-op. If the symptoms do not improve with Tylenol, Morin and elevation, or if your temperture exceeds 101.5', contact the clinic.

    You may have swelling from the groin area to your toes for several weeks post-op.

    If swelling is slow to progress and subsides with elevation, continue to follow swelling precautions. If the swelling is rapid onset or associated with shortness of breath, call the clinic immediately.

  • You will be required to take a blood thinner after surgery. Typically, we prescribe a low dose of aspirin (81 mg) to be taken twice daily for a month, unless we advise differently.

    All pain medications are prescribed as needed. It is important to stay ahead of your pain, while still taking the lowest effective dose to control the pain.

    Nausea and constipation are common side effects of narcotics. For constipation, we recommend increasing your water intake (before and after your surgery), We also recommend taking a stool softener daily while taking pain medication. You may also use a laxative (Miralax / Epsom Salts), per the directions on the product label.

  • Most of my patients will spend one night in the hospital and go home the day after surgery. Have a loved one available to assist you for at least one week after surgery. Living alone does not qualify you for inpatient rehab.

  • You may drive as soon as you are off all narcotics and are able to safely transition from gas to brake. We recommend testing this in an uncrowded parking lot prior to driving on the roads.

    If you have sudden, worsening symptoms, or a medical emergency, contact the clinic immediately or call 911.

    orthopedicspecialistsla.com