Patient Handbook
Recovery Guide
Everything you need to prepare for surgery and recover safely at home. Use this guide before and after your procedure.
Before Surgery
Use this checklist-style guide to prepare for a smooth surgery and recovery.
After Surgery
Your recovery roadmap — incision care, medications, exercises, and warning signs.
Looking for procedure-specific details?
Visit the Hip or Knee Replacement guides for anatomy illustrations, FAQ, risks, and exercise instructions specific to your procedure.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Go to the ER if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden increase in pain not relieved with medication
- Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting
- Inability to bear weight or walk
- Shaking chills
- Fever greater than 101.3°F
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Increasing discharge or drainage from your surgical incision