6 questions to ask before joint replacement surgery

You have tried physical therapy. You have taken medications. You have modified your daily movements. But your joint pain—whether it’s in your hip, knee, or shoulder—just won’t go away. At this point, you might start considering joint replacement surgery.

Joint replacement surgery is a common procedure, with hip and knee replacements being the most frequently performed. Surgery relieves joint pain by removing parts of your joint that are damaged or have arthritis and replacing them with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

If your joint pain impacts your day-to-day activities, it might be time to consider a joint replacement. As with all medical procedures, it’s important to fully understand what to expect. Here are six questions to ask when deciding whether or not you would benefit from joint replacement surgery.

1. Am I a good candidate for joint replacement surgery?

An ideal candidate for joint replacement surgery usually suffers from joint pain or has a disability.

Whether it’s caused by arthritis, a fracture, or another condition, if the cartilage that coats the ends of your bones is damaged, you may experience joint pain that makes you a candidate for joint replacement surgery.

But surgery shouldn’t always be your first option. Surgery is a major medical procedure, so it’s important that you’ve tried other approaches to relieve joint pain, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. If those don’t work or you don’t see improvement, joint replacement surgery may be appropriate.

As with any surgery, it’s important that you are generally healthy enough to undergo surgery using anesthesia. Your health-care provider will do a health evaluation and may perform tests, such as a blood test and an electrocardiogram (EKG), to ensure your body is in good shape for surgery.

2. What kind of prosthetic will be used?

In the past few decades, advancements in joint replacement surgery have made the procedures safer and more effective than ever. One of those advancements is in the type of prosthetic used.

Joint replacement surgery uses a prosthetic that is plastic, metal, or ceramic. The type of prosthetic your provider will use depends on:

• Your needs, including your joint anatomy, age, weight, activity level, and overall health
• Your provider’s experience with each type of prosthetic
• The performance of the kind of prosthetic

Ask your provider what kind of prosthetic they plan to use and how it compares to other prosthetic options, including benefits, possible drawbacks, and anything else you might want to know.

3. How can I ensure a healthy recovery after surgery?

While some downtime is unavoidable, be prepared to take steps beforehand to ensure the safest, most effective, and quickest recovery.

Start by getting in the best possible physical shape. This includes cutting down or quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and strengthening your upper body muscles, which you'll need for your crutches or a walker after a hip or knee replacement. You may also benefit from physical therapy before or after your procedure to recover more quickly and with less pain.

Always be sure to follow any pre-operative directions that your care team gives you. These will ensure your body is prepared for a successful surgery.

4. How should I prepare my living space?

When your surgery is complete and you are ready to leave the hospital, you will still need to recover at home for a few weeks. To ensure you can do this safely and comfortably, take steps to set up your house before your surgery, such as:

• Prepare meals by cooking and freezing them or buying pre-made meals
• Arrange pet care
• Get a temporary disabled parking permit
• Buy helpful items like a grabbing tool, long-handled shoehorn, raised toilet seat, and long-handled sponge and shower hose
• Make changes throughout your home, such as installing safety bars in your bathroom, putting away loose carpets and electrical cords, setting up a comfortable living space on the first level, and gathering frequently used items and storing them in an easily accessible place

If you live by yourself, consider asking a family member or friend to stay with you for a few days to help as you adjust to your new routine.

5. Will I have limitations after surgery?

Joint replacement therapy is highly effective, but you may still have some limitations after the procedure—even after a full recovery.

Some limitations might include certain activities, such as contact sports or downhill skiing. You may also be advised to limit how much weight you lift.

Make sure you understand what your limitations are (if any) and how long they will last. Plan to adhere to those by adjusting your lifestyle and making modifications at work.

6. How long can I expect my results to last?

Advancements in technology and materials have made joint replacements last longer than ever. In general, a hip or knee replacement can be expected to last 20 years or more, and for some people, it's a lifelong solution.

However, your results depend on your situation, so talk to your provider about what you can expect. They can also give you guidance on how to prolong the life of your prosthetic.

Joint pain relief with joint replacement surgery

Joint pain can put serious limitations on your daily activities, not to mention it can be downright uncomfortable. With joint replacement surgery, you can find relief and get back to doing the things you love, pain-free.

By asking questions, gathering knowledge, and understanding what to expect, you can set yourself up for a safe and speedy recovery from this life-changing procedure.