Yes. Some herbal products can cause major problems during surgery. We are learning more about these products as they become more widely used. St. John's wort and gingko biloba are two herbal products that can definitely cause major problems with blood pressure during surgery. Because herbal products are sold over-the-counter and are largely unregulated, it is difficult for us to know their dosage. We expect you to discontinue all herbal products two weeks before surgery, unless otherwise directed by your surgeon.If you are taking heart or blood pressure medication, please take your regular morning dose on the morning of surgery unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. If you are taking insulin, normally we ask that you take one-half your regular dose on the morning of surgery. However, again, please check with your physician. Please discontinue any other medications two weeks before surgery, and certainly do not take them the morning of surgery, unless instructed by your doctor. Bring your home medications with you in their original, labeled bottles on the day of surgery because we refer to these bottles so we can accurately order these medications and resume their administration after your surgery.

Generally, you can continue taking your vitamins but if they contain additional herbal products, please discontinue them. Again, if you have questions, consult your physician's office.

No. Please continue taking your insulin. We usually have diabetic patients take half their normal dose of insulin on the morning of their surgery. We then monitor your blood sugar preoperatively, during and after surgery, giving sugar supplements if needed.

Please continue your blood pressure and/or heart medication.

Total Hip Replacement Implant: acetabular shell - tivanium alloy acetabular insert - polyethylene femoral stem - metal alloy femoral head - vitallum or zimaloy alloy total weight - 1.4 lbs.

Total Knee Replacement Implant: femoral component - vitallum or zimaloy alloy tibial baseplate - vitallum or tivanium alloy tibial insert - polyethylene patella - polyethylene total weight - 1.6 lbs.

Total Shoulder Replacement Implant: hemi-partial replacement ball - cobalt chrome total weight - 1.0 lbs.

Implants do not set off the metal detector alarms at most airports. Some international airports have more sensitive devices and the implant will cause an alarm.

Yes. You will probably receive a nerve block following a joint replacement to control your pain.  This will happen in the recovery room.  Your pain will be managed through IV medication and/or oral medications the first night and oral medication throughout your stay.  The doctor and nurse will work with you to control your pain while you are here.  You will also get a prescription for pain medicine for after you leave KSRC.

Most people go home on pain pills after a joint replacement procedure. Your doctor may also give you an anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Average length of stay for patients who have had a total knee or a total hip replacement is 2-3 nights.
• Average length of stay for patients who have had a total shoulder replacement is 1-2 nights.

Men should bring shorts and t-shirts and short pajamas. Women should bring shorts and t-shirts and short pajamas or gowns. No floor length gowns or long pajamas are recommended.

This is dependent on your surgeon’s preference and what time you have surgery.  Some patients will be getting out of bed in the afternoon the day of surgery.  All other patients will be getting out of bed the next morning following a total knee or total hip procedure.

Yes, but they must be well behaved, well supervised and they must be physically well.

Yes. Bring them in their original pharmacy container.

We will work with you on getting out of bed safely, transferring, walking with a walker safely, and of course, increasing movement in your new joint.

KSRC differs from a hospital setting in that most of your physical therapy is done in your room. We do have a set of stairs for you to practice on, and we will help you with getting in and out of a car.

The therapist and nurses will communicate and give recommendations to your doctor regarding your level of function and when it is safe for you to go home.