Pre-operative Questions

• Why do I have to see a dentist before the surgery?
• Why do I have to see a regular medical doctor?
• I have an arthritic joint. Will my worn-out joint wear even more if I walk or work on it?
• Is there any exercise I can do to get ready for my hip and knee replacement surgery?
• Should I have both knees or hips replaced at the same time?

Required Doctor's Visits

Why do I have to see a dentist before the surgery?

You must see a dentist before joint replacement surgery. Dental cavities, periodontal disease and deep infections may be lurking in your mouth. If any of these exist, you risk seeding the new implants with bacteria from the mouth.

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Why do I have to see a regular medical doctor?

Any unusual risk factor or medical condition can be identified and addressed safely before the surgery. As an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, Dr. Bal is tightly focused on identifying the appropriate patients who can benefit from these procedures and then taking them through the experience as safely and comfortably as possible. Medical management of the patient must be deferred to doctors who have expertise in blood pressure, heart disease and general medical conditions.

Exercise

We strongly encourage you to maintain a sensible, regular exercise program even if you have arthritis in one of your major joints. A reasonable amount of exercise, done steadily and routinely will help, rather than wear out, the joint. Benefits of exercise include:

• Strengthens the major muscles around the joint that in turn reduce the load that the joint experiences during standing and walking.
• Conditions your cardiovascular system and improves the outcomes of the procedure.
• Might produce weight loss alleviating some pain in hip and knee joints.

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Is there any exercise I can do to get ready for my hip and knee replacement surgery?

In general, walking, treadmill, swimming, light aerobics, water aerobics and similar exercises will be beneficial if they can be done before surgery. After surgery, exercise will accelerate your recovery. See a physical therapist for suggestions. Do not engage in any exercise program without consulting a member of your care team.

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Should I have both knees or hips replaced at the same time?

Performing surgery on both knees or hips maginifies the risks, lengthens the hospital stay and prolongs the recovery. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, such as insurance or medical leave issues, it is best to have surgery done on one side at a time. In many cases of knee degenerative disease on both sides, patients report feeling relief in both knees after having just one replaced successfully. Altered gait and improved biomechanics of the limb causes weight to shift to the operated knee or hip and the other knee or hip feels better. As a result, patients often put off surgery on the other side.