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• After joint replacement surgery, you will have regularly scheduled follow-up exams by your orthopaedic team. You will see the physician’s assistant at the 2 week, 8-week, and 6-month follow-up appointments. You will see your physician at the 4-week, 12-week, and 1 year follow-up appointments. Having x-rays taken is extremely important in detecting and/or preventing problems and prolonging the life and function of your new joint. 
• After your joint replacement is one year old, it is important that you have your joint evaluated by your orthopaedic surgeon on a periodic basis for your lifetime.
• If you relocate or select another orthopaedic surgeon for your follow-up care, please contact us so that we may forward a copy of your surgical records to the appropriate care provider.   We can also assist in referring you to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon if you relocate out of the area. 
• Apply an ice pack or the equivalent of (bag of frozen peas) for 20 minutes 3 times a 

day. 

During the first year after your joint replacement, your surgical team will need to evaluate the progress and recovery of your new joint at the following intervals:

• 10-14 days after discharge from the hospital: for staple or suture removal (unless you are receiving care from a home health nurse or in a nursing facility). If you have an Aquacel dressing you may shower as long as the dressing has remained sealed. 
• 4 weeks from the date of surgery: Your recovery progress, physical therapy needs, and activity restrictions are reviewed.  Please do not resume driving your car until after your orthopaedic surgeon has cleared you for driving – this will be discussed at the 4 week follow up appointment. 
• 8 weeks from the date of surgery: functional assessment 
• 3 months from the date of surgery: joint replacement evaluation
• 6 months from the date of surgery: joint replacement evaluation
• 1 year from the date of surgery: x-rays and joint replacement evaluation
• Every 4 years during the month of your surgery: x-rays and joint replacement evaluation.

Please call your physician as soon as possible if your joint replacement has signs of infection (fever over 101.0 and/or persistent drainage), or injury.