Preparing for Total Knee Replacement Baltimore MD

So, you have decided to join more than 600,000 people in the United States who will improve the quality of their lives by having a total knee replacement Baltimore MD.  Chances are, you will not regret it.  Over 90% of those who have had this procedure recommend it.  There are a few things you will need to do before your knee replacement surgery Baltimore which can be learned about by visiting websites for medical teams like http://www.medstarunionortho.org/:

• It is possible your orthopedic surgeon will request that you have a complete physical examination with your primary care doctor a few weeks before the procedure.  This is to make sure that you are not likely to have complications from general anesthesia.
• If you have a chronic health condition such as coronary artery disease, your surgeon may request that you be seen by a specialist in this condition, also to make sure that you are healthy enough to have a reasonable expectation of avoiding complications during surgery.
• Specific medical tests may be prescribed, including blood work, a urinalysis, or an electrocardiogram.  It is important to schedule and complete these tests in as timely a manner as possible.
• Your orthopedic surgeon will ask you about medications you take regularly and give you advice about whether you should stop taking them a few days before surgery, and when to resume them after the operation.
• If you need dental work, it is advisable to have this completed before your knee replacement.  In a few rare cases, bacteria have traveled from the site of dental work to the knee surgery site, causing serious infections.
• A urinary evaluation may be requested if you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections.  Because a catheter will be placed in your bladder during surgery, you will have a slightly higher risk of developing a UTI during early recovery.
• You will need to plan for care at home after your surgery.  There will be a social worker or care coordinator available at the hospital to help you arrange for professional home care support if you do not have friends or family who are able to serve in this capacity.
• Home adaptations like shower bars and stairway handrails should be installed before your surgery date.