You and your surgeon should decide together if hip or knee replacement is right for you. Our specialists will partner with you to meet your needs in preparation for the surgery. They will discuss risks, infection prevention and pain management with you.

Surgery preparation includes steps that need to be completed in the office as well as at home. It is important that you understand and engage in these health-promoting behaviors to achieve the best results after the surgery:

• Stand up, sit less and move more often: Incorporate physical activity into your daily life as much as your body allows.
• Make changes to your diet without sacrificing nutrition.
• Stop using all nicotine products.
• Manage pre-existing conditions: Consult your primary care doctor to ensure your diabetes, anemia or other chronic conditions are under control.
• Monitor your skin: Avoid sunburn, open wounds, scratches and rashes.
• Follow other recommendations from your hip and knee surgeon.

We also ask you to complete the following leading up to your surgery:

1. Select a care partner
2. Download a patient education guide
3. Register for an educational session

Select a Care Partner

You will need to select a care partner who will help you through preparation and recovery. This person can be a family member or a friend — someone you can count on to help you prepare for the procedure, drive you to your appointments, pick you up after the surgery and help you follow discharge instructions. It is essential to have someone who will support you during this time.

Download a Pre-operative Patient Education Guide

The educational guides below contain rich information on what to expect leading up to, during and after your surgery. We encourage you to review the guide at home with your coach and bring it with you to your educational session.

Attend a Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Educational Session

We offer an informative educational session to help you and your core partner prepare for your surgery. During the session, we'll review important aspects of your care and what to expect during and after your hospital stay. Topics include diet and nutrition, exercises, infection prevention, anesthesia, pain reduction, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and home safety checklists. This is a good time to ask any remaining questions about the joint replacement process.

Depending on where you are having your surgery, please use this information to register for an education session:

• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Register online for a virtual educational session for surgeries at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Out of an abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are conducting all classes virtually via Zoom.
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center: Learn about orientation for joint replacement surgeries at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.
• Suburban Hospital: If your surgery is at Suburban Hospital, your surgeon's office will provide information on pre-operative education.