Orthopedic Center for Total Joint Replacement - Dignity Health - Sequoia Hospital

At the Orthopedic Center for Total Joint Replacement, we provide comprehensive joint replacement services, including: 

• Diagnostic imaging

• Surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement surgery

• Postsurgical care planning

• Nonsurgical procedures

• Occupational therapy

• Physical therapy

Robotic surgery offers a personalized approach for many patients. The advanced software enables your doctor to integrate real-time joint motion data, customizing each procedure to the individual. Surgeons who utilize robotic systems often report numerous potential advantages, such as:

• Faster recovery time

• Greater preservation of native bone and tissue

• Improved accuracy 

• More precise placement of implants or prosthesis

The total joint patient navigator is available to help guide you through surgery before, during and after your procedure. At our Orthopedic Center for Total Joint Replacement, our patient navigator will focus on you and provide the support you need, including:

• Answering questions

• Facilitating communication with your care team

• Providing community resource referrals, such as home health, private caregiving services and medical equipment

• Providing ongoing assessment of your needs

• Offering basic insurance information

For more information about our Total Joint Patient Navigator, please call (650) 482-6031.

• 7 days before surgery: Stop shaving your legs.

• 7 days before surgery:: Stop taking blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, vitamins, herbal medications and supplements containing Vitamin E or Fish Oil. Please consult with your surgeon or cardiologist before discontinuing any medications.

• 5 days before surgery: Wash your body thoroughly with chlorhexidine soap (avoid scrubbing your scalp).

• 5 days before surgery: Start taking a laxative. Please consult with your surgeon for guidance.

• No food, gum or mints after midnight.

• Drink liquids to increase hydration. You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to arrival at the hospital for surgery.

• A list of your current medications and the pharmacy you use for refills

• Access to your credit card number and insurance card (a picture on your phone can be helpful)

• Toiletries, including a toothbrush, hearing aids and case, dental implants, eyeglasses and case and any durable medical equipment such as a CPAP machine

• The blue arm band given to you by the lab

• Comfortable clothing that allows for mobility, such as slip-on shoes

• Entertainment items like books, magazines, an iPad/tablet with a charger, headphones, and your cell phone with its charging cable and adapter

• A copy of your Advanced Healthcare Directive

While times can vary, you can anticipate a one-night stay after your procedure.

Yes, it's highly recommended to arrange for help at home for 5-10 days, or consider hiring someone to assist you with cleaning, laundry, meals, pain management, ice for the surgical site and driving needs until you can care for yourself independently.

No, you do not need to arrange your home health therapy. Your Orthopedic Center for Total Joint Replacement care team will start your home health referral process once you have had surgery. They will help you make any needed arrangements and discuss your discharge process. You will need to arrange your own outpatient therapy, which starts after you have completed home therapy.

If you have a front wheel walker, please bring it after surgery. Otherwise, our team can provide a walker for home prior to your hospital discharge. Other equipment that is not required, but you might find helpful for your recovery includes:

• Bedside commode

• Elevated toilet seat

• Long handle grabber

• Sock aid