Medically reviewed by Eric Heimberger, MD McLeod Orthopaedics Seacoast

Patient Safety is important to all the medical professionals involved in your knee or hip replacement.

“The procedures to replace worn or broken joints are highly successful operations that can renew your quality of life,” says McLeod Orthopedic Specialist Eric Heimberger, MD. “When it comes to safety – before, during and after the procedure – your surgical team makes your safety our top priority, however, you are the most important person to ensuring a safe outcome.”

Here are the keys to YOUR ROLE in safety.

CHOOSING A SPECIALIST

A number of third-party sites allow patients to rate their surgeons. Some sites also list the training, background and experience of the surgeon. Two of the most commonly visited sites are www.HealthGrades.com and www.Vitals.com.

Ask people you know who have had a knee or hip joint replacement about their experience and what specialist they would recommend.

You want a surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these specific type of procedures you are contemplating. Ideally, a good surgeon will do at least 100 knee or hip replacements a year.

When you chose a specialist, you are also choosing a hospital, where the surgeon will perform the total joint replacement.

SEEING YOUR SPECIALIST

When you see your Orthopedic Specialist,

• Ask a friend for family member to accompany you.
• Be ready to discuss your medical history.
• Have a list of ALL medications – prescription and over the counter – that you are currently taking.
• Ask questions. Physicians are used to talking with other medical personnel, using technical terms. If you don’t understand something, ASK THEM TO EXPLAIN.

AT THE HOSPITAL

• Again, ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
• You may wonder why almost everyone you encounter is asking your name and the reason you are in the hospital. This is one way the hospital ensures your safety by confirming at every step that they give you the proper medication and perform the correct procedure.
• Follow the rules about when you can get out of bed. A fall could require additional surgery and result in a much longer recovery.

ONCE YOU GO HOME

• Ensure that your home is safe to avoid falls. Make sure stairs and hallways are well light. Remove unsecured rugs. Avoid cluttered floors and electrical cords that could trip you.
• Know how to sit and sleep in proper positioning as your new knee replacement or hip joint and incisions heal.
• And when can you start driving. There are some guidelines, but the decision is ultimately between you and your Orthopedic Specialist.

Find an Orthopedic Specialist near you.

Sources include: McLeod Health, National Institutes of Health, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Open Journal of Orthopedics, American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons