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SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing for Your Hip or Knee Replacement

A step-by-step guide to help you prepare for surgery — from your initial medical clearance appointment through the day of your procedure. Following these instructions closely helps ensure the best possible outcome.

Before Your Surgery

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO DO

🧞 Preop Medical Exam with your PCP

🧬 Pre-operative labs & testing

💊 Medication Review

🏠 Home Preparation

📋 Day-of-Surgery Checklist

TIMELINE
Surgery Preparation Timeline
Following this timeline closely will help ensure you are fully prepared and lowers the risks of delays or cancellations on the day of your surgery
1-2 Months Prior to Surgery
Call to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for medical clearance. This appointment should be about 30 days before your surgery date. Your PCP will perform a history and physical exam and get the necessary pre-operative testing (bloodwork, EKG, chest X-ray if indicated).
✓ 1st step is to get a surgery date with Dr. Weidner's scheduler in his office 
✓ Schedule appointment with your Primary Care doctor about 30 days before surgery
✓ If you have any major dental work that needs taken care of do this prior to surgery
✓ Begin arranging for help for the first couple weeks after surgery when you may not be driving
✓ STOP SMOKING if you are a smoker. Dr. Weidner will order blood test to check before surgery if there are concerns - significant risk factor for infection
2-4 Weeks Prior to Surgery
Complete any pre-operative testing ordered by your PCP. Attend a joint replacement education class if offered by your surgery center or hospital. Begin preparing your home for a smooth recovery.
✓ Complete all pre-operative labs & testing, do extra Cardiology tests if your PCP recommends
✓ Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night after surgery
✓ Set up a "recovery station" at home - remove tripping hazards, set up a downstairs sleeping area if possible
✓ Can get "hip kit" on Amazon if desired, raised toilet seat and shower chair can also be helpful - none are "necessary"
1 Week Prior to Surgery
Confirm your surgery time and arrival instructions with the surgery center/hospital - they will call you. Have appointment with Dr. Weidner so he can review your bloodwork and give you prescriptions for surgery.
✓ Use Mupirocin anti-bacterial ointment in nose 2x/day for 5 days before surgery - prescription from Dr. Weidner at preop appt. It may say not to use except topically, but it is very much OK to use in nose as recommended by Dr. Weidner
✓ Fill post-op prescriptions given to you by Dr. Weidner at preop appointment ahead of time so you don't need to get them on day of surgery
✓ Stop any GLP-1 medications and anti-inflammatories at least 1 week before surgery
✓ Stop stronger blood thinners (Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin) 3 days before surgery or as directed by your doctors
Night Before Surgery
Follow all fasting instructions provided by the surgery center/hospital — typically nothing to eat after midnight, clear liquids (black coffee, water, gatorade) are permitted up to a few hours before surgery per anesthesia instructions.
✓ Sleep in clean clothes and in clean sheets in bed
✓ Wear loose fitting clothes on day of surgery
✓ Bring ID and insurance card on day of surgery, leave unnecssary valuables at home
✓ Bring walker on day of surgery if you already have one
QUESTIONS BEFORE SURGERY

Common Pre-Surgery Questions

1

What if I get sick before surgery?
Call our office immediately. Surgery may need to be rescheduled if you have a fever, infection, or other significant illness.

2

Can I take my regular medications?

Most medications can be continued. Blood thinners are typically stopped 3 days before surgery (eliquis, coumadin, xarelto). GLP-1 medications (ozempic), and anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, alleve, aspirin etc) need to be stopped 1 week before surgery

3

What should I bring to the surgery center or hospital?

Photo ID, insurance card, list of medications, and a case for glasses/hearing aids/dentures if needed. Bring a walker if you already have one. 

Have Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you feel fully prepared. Call us any time before your procedure, 703-393-1667.

4

Who should I call with questions? 

Call our office at 703-393-1667 any time before your surgery with questions or concerns.

Ready to Schedule Your Surgery?
Call our office with any questions about preparing for your upcoming hip or knee replacement surgery.

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