Surgical procedures can be used to replace or restore multiple areas of the musculoskeletal system, including the joints. The replacement of a joint, such as the knee, is usually performed to alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.

Prior to undergoing joint replacement surgery, you should ensure that you are ready for the procedure. By preparing properly, you can increase the likelihood of a problem-free surgery and speedy recovery.

Here are some measures that you can take to prepare for joint replacement surgery.

Ask Questions About Your Surgery

Instead of moving forward with your surgery blindly, discuss the details of the procedure with your physician. Here are a few suggested items to discuss:

• Hospital admittance. Hospitals have their own procedures for admitting surgical patients. Understanding the basic procedure of the facility that you will be using can make the process less stressful. 
• Anesthesia. Gain an idea of the type of anesthesia that you will need.
• Length of stay. Some joint replacement surgeries are associated with a longer hospital stay than others. Your doctor can give you an estimate of your expected time as an inpatient.
• Length of recovery. By knowing your expected recovery time, you can determine how long you may have to be away from work and other activities. 
• Pain relief. Although your joint replacement procedure will eventually alleviate your pain, immediately after general surgery, you may experience discomfort. Your physician can tell you the types of medications that may be used for your post-surgical pain management.

Gather Your Medical Information

Before your surgery, your providers will need to know the details of your medical information. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and insurance coverage. Also, provider representatives may ask about your legal preparations or arrangements.

Here is a bit of information that you can assemble beforehand to make the answering of questions easier:

• Names of your physicians. Who are your doctors and why are you seeing them?
• Your medical conditions. Have you been diagnosed with any health issues, such as hypertension or diabetes?
• Current medications. What medicines, including supplements and vitamins, are you taking regularly?
• Allergies. Are you allergic to anything?
• Insurance providers. Who are your primary and supplemental insurance carriers?
• Previous procedures. What types of surgical procedures have you undergone previously?

Get Physically Fit

As the time of your surgery nears, work on improving your physical condition. By being more physically fit, you can lessen the likelihood of complications. 

To learn more things that you can do as you prepare for your joint replacement surgery, schedule a consultation with your physician.