Your Joint Replacement Surgery

A possible outcome to your appointment will be a decision for you to have surgery. If your physician determines that surgery is necessary, you will be required to sign a “consent for surgery” form. After you provide consent for surgery, our administrative team at Nanaimo Orthopaedics will work in consultation with the staff at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to schedule a date for your surgery. A surgical request will be made by Nanaimo Orthopaedics to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. When a surgery date becomes available, the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital informs the administrative staff at Nanaimo Orthopaedics and we will in turn contact you to confirm your surgery date and time.

In addition to your surgery, you may be required to have other appointments in preparation to your surgery:

Pre-habilitation Or “Prehab” Clinic

This is a 3-hour appointment that takes place a few months to two weeks prior to your surgery. We strongly suggest you take someone with you who will be involved in your care after surgery. The reason of the appointment is to improve your health and daily functioning while you prepare for your hip or knee joint replacement surgery. Areas covered in Prehab include:

1. A video to explain what to expect 
2. Exercises to do before and after your surgery to improve your exercise tolerance and strength, improve nutrition for healing and weight loss, and increase your ability to manage daily activities. 
3. They will give you a list of equipment to have in your home for when you come home after your surgery (walker, cane, reaching assist, raised toilet seat, bath chair, etc.).

Cardiac Clearance

This appointment is decided by your physician. The purpose of this appointment is to determine the appropriate cardiac risk level before proceeding with surgery. It helps to guide you towards appropriate interventions to best optimize your status before proceeding to surgery. It helps you benefit from preoperative therapy to better manage and treat cardiac conditions or risk factors in order to decrease any risks during your surgery.

Pre-admission Clinic Or Pac

This appointment is approximately ?? days before your surgery date. The Pre-Admission clinic will contact you to schedule an appointment. The purpose of a Pre-Admission Clinic is to ensure you are well prepared for your surgery. This appointment will take from one to three hours depending on the type of preparation required. You may receive further education about your surgery and are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to the appointment. Your height, weight, ECG if required, any required blood tests, or X-rays may be done at this time. You will also have a meeting with the hospital pharmacy. You will need to bring your medications with you, including any vitamins or supplements you regularly take. Bring these medications in their original containers or have your pharmacy print you a list. They do not accept hand written lists.

PRE-ANESTHETIC CONSULT

An anesthesiologist will be a part of your surgery team working with the orthopedic surgeon. He/she will be responsible for the management of all necessary anesthetic during your surgery, for example a general anesthetic to ensure you are unconscious during your operation. This appointment may take up to 2 hours. During the appointment, you will meet with an anesthesiologist who will ask you questions about your health. A nurse will also discuss:

• What to expect on the day of the operation and how to get ready for surgery
• Your height, weight, and vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate, and oxygen level) will be taken.
• A review of any medications that you are currently taking
• Any questions or concerns you may have.