• Arthritis
• Are You a Candidate for Hip Replacement? (Video)
• Are You a Candidate for Knee Replacement? (Video)

• Is Surgery Right for You?
  • What to Expect the Day of Surgery
  • What to Expect Following Surgery
  • Possible Complications of Surgery
  • What to Expect When You're Fully Recovered
  • Life After Joint Replacement

• Animation of Normal Knee
• Arthritis: The Leading Cause of Knee Pain
• Conventional Knee Replacement
• Animation of Knee Replacement
• Knee Replacement Surgery

• Hip Treatment Options
• Hip Replacement FAQ

• 10 Questions to Ask
• Standard Treatment Options
• You Don't Have to Live with Joint Pain
• What You Need to Know About Joint Replacement Surgery

• Map & Directions

Home / What is Total Joint Replacement?

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

You may need routine blood tests, urinalysis, a physical examination, and — if you’re over 50 or your orthopaedic surgeon thinks they are advisable — an electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray. Your own doctor or the hospital where you’ll have the surgery may perform these preoperative tests and evaluations.

You may also be asked to donate blood prior to joint replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will specify exactly which tests and evaluations you will need and when you should have them, as well as recommend that you stop taking certain medications before your surgery. You should also discuss your postoperative treatment plan with your surgeon at this time.

The standard surgery may take from 2 to 4 hours, and you may spend about the same amount of time in the recovery room.